Agnostics theoretically are open to knowledge of a god if it could be provided. Atheists say that there are no gods I believe in despite what others may say they believe. Much the same in many ways, but starting from a different point.

I know some people use that distinction. Often because they don't want to be thought of as "atheist". I hold to the position of most prominent atheists that you are either a theist, or not.** If you're not, then put the 'a' in front (i.e. atheist). That is not a knowledge claim, IMO. Most atheists, confronted with solid evidence, would change their minds. Perhaps I am more careful than most in that I don't say there is no god. I say there probably is no god, and certainly no evidence -yet- for one. If I make a definitive assertion, the burden of proof is on me. As it stands, the theists are making the definitive assertion(s), so the burden is on them.



**There's also a deist, who thinks there is something out there. So really, there is 'theist', 'atheist', and 'deist".