SCEPTICISM Meaning and
Definition
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Scepticism, also spelled skepticism, is a philosophical and intellectual stance characterized by questioning and doubting claims or assertions until they can be justified or supported by adequate evidence or reasoning. It is a critical and questioning attitude that challenges the credibility and truthfulness of beliefs, ideas, and knowledge.
In skepticism, individuals suspend beliefs and withhold judgment until they are provided with compelling evidence to support a claim. This approach is firmly rooted in rationality and a desire for reliable and trustworthy information. Skeptics emphasize the importance of examining arguments and evidence critically, rather than accepting ideas blindly or on the basis of faith.
Scepticism is commonly associated with scientific inquiry, as it encourages a rigorous, empirical approach to understanding the world. Scientists often adopt a sceptical attitude, subjecting hypotheses and theories to extensive testing and scrutiny before accepting them as valid explanations.
However, it is important to note that scepticism does not entail absolute disbelief or denial of all claims or ideas. Instead, it promotes a healthy intellectual caution that aims to minimize biases, fallacies, and errors in reasoning. Sceptics challenge dogmas, conventional wisdom, and authority, seeking to foster a culture of inquiry and openness to alternative perspectives.
Overall, scepticism is a mindset that encourages individuals to question, evaluate, and critically analyze ideas and claims in pursuit of truth and reliable knowledge.
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Universal doubt; unbelief. Note.-k and not c in the first syllable should be the spelling in the above words, as being more agreeable to analogy-thus, skeptic, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SCEPTICISM
- acepticism
- zcepticism
- xcepticism
- dcepticism
- ecepticism
- wcepticism
- sxepticism
- svepticism
- sfepticism
- sdepticism
- scwpticism
- scspticism
- scdpticism
- scrpticism
- sc4pticism
- sc3pticism
- sceoticism
- scelticism
- sce-ticism
Etymology of SCEPTICISM
The word "scepticism" originated from the Ancient Greek term "skeptikos", which means "inquiring" or "thoughtful". It is derived from the verb "skeptomai", meaning "to look, consider, or examine". The ancient skeptics were a philosophical school that encouraged the examination and questioning of beliefs and knowledge. The term was later adopted in Latin as "scepticus" and eventually made its way into English in the late 16th century.
Similar spelling words for SCEPTICISM
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