From the Greek 'a' (not) and 'theos' (god). In the Philosophy of Religion 'atheism' is a term referring to those who deny the existence of God (as defined by Theism). Thus, it is technically a denial of the Theist's position. However, the term is used commonly to refer to anyone who does not believe in a divinity. This common usage should be resisted in philosophical dialogue since there are numerous alternative definitions of 'god' which are not necessarily consistent.