Freethinker

Someone who comes to their own conclusions about the nature of existence and the world, based not on the notions of others nor by adhering strictly to any particular dogma, but rather through their own senses and thought processes.

Also a term hijacked by the Militant New atheist Media Machine to be essentially synonymous with "atheist", with the not-so-subtle implication that self-generated thought and personal common sense MUST lead EVERYONE to conclude that there is no god, and that no one who comes to believe in a god of any sort, religious-based or abstract, may truly be a freethinker.

Joe: "I'm a freethinker".
Militant atheist: "Congrats! When did you free yourself from the delusion of the fairy tale god?"
Joe: "Well, umm...I believe in god. Not the god of any religion, but a creator."
Militant Atheist: "Oh, so you're not a freethinker. You don't go strictly by logic and science. You believe in fairy tales. Your just a lazy atheist."
Joe: "Um...no. I actually came to this conclusion on my own. Using just science would mean I'm bound by a system, and that wouldn't be free thought. I base my belief on my perception of the world, and I don't stricly adhere to science nor religion. I freely think my way through the issues based on all the information available. I'm a freethinker!"

by quietmedic July 1, 2016

freethinker

One who forms their beliefs based on reason and science, and not on religion, authority, or tradition.

Despite what the term actually means, it is used by condescending people to describe themselves.

The irony of people who refer to themselves as freethinkers is that even though they believe they formed their opinions solely on reason and science, modern psychology disproves that people are capable of that.

Lindsay says she is a freethinker. However, her cognitive biases make that impossible.

by Commonsense September 5, 2012

freethinker

A follower of the freethought movement. Not to be confused with a free thinker.

"A believer is a bird in a cage, a Freethinker is an eagle parting the clouds with tireless wing"
-- Robert Green Ingersoll (1833 - 1899)

by JoeBloggs April 10, 2005

freethinker

A person whose only believe is science and not god. Some freethinkers believe that god has abandoned us for a long time ago.

God doesn't exist. The bible said nothing about dinosaurs and that the earth was flat.

by Anonymous January 3, 2005

freethinker

A person between the ages of 18 and 30 who lives in the artsy parts of major cities. They ride bicycles everywhere and are known for protesting.

I was late to the meeting because of the freethinkers in the road ontheir bikes.

by zak000001 June 12, 2009

Freethinkers of the South

A groundbreaking Facebook group made up mostly of atheists south of Mason Dixon line, and Clint.

Benjamin Green is a genius for starting Freethinkers of the South.

by sabrinackleback June 18, 2011

free thinker

An individual whose opinions are formed on the basis of an understanding and rejection of tradition, authority or established belief.

Sarah did not believe that her friend Tom was going to hell just because he had a boyfriend. She was as a free thinker.

by Mago Chutney May 30, 2006