Atheism and the null hypothesis.

Atheism, and science for that matter, are based upon the null hypothesis.
The null hypothesis operates from the premise that for every question asked about a phenomenon, it should be assumed that the answer is in the negative and not the afermative.

For example, the question of whether or not something exists should be approached from the position that it does not, until proven,otherwise.

During a discussion it is always, logically, assumed that a claim made realative to the existance of a phenomenon must be proven as true by the person making the claim.

The burden of proof does not lie with the person questioning the claim.

You cannot prove the non existance of a phenomenon.

Nor do you have to.