Skepticism
['skɛptɪ,sɪzəm]
Definition
(n.) An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty.
(n.) The doctrine that no fact or principle can be certainly known; the tenet that all knowledge is uncertain; Pyrrohonism; universal doubt; the position that no fact or truth, however worthy of confidence, can be established on philosophical grounds; critical investigation or inquiry, as opposed to the positive assumption or assertion of certain principles.
(n.) A doubting of the truth of revelation, or a denial of the divine origin of the Christian religion, or of the being, perfections, or truth of God.
Edited by Bertram
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. [Written also Scepticism.] [1]. Doubt, incredulity, Pyrrhonism.[2]. Unbelief, infidelity, free-thinking.
Editor: Oswald
Examples
- Wells' little essay: Skepticism of the Instrument. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
- Those who support a hypothesis should bring it to the test of rigid verification, avoiding skepticism, shunning credulity. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- The experiments wer e now definitely abandoned, and the inventor was overwhelmed by the sense of failure, and still more by the skepticism with which the pu blic had regarded his endeavors. Walter Libby. An Introduction to the History of Science.
- I think God will forgive us our skepticism sooner than our Inquisitions. Walter Lippmann. A Preface to Politics.
Edited by Babbage