scepticism
NounWordNet 3.0
Noun (1)
- the disbelief in any claims of ultimate knowledgeSynonyms: agnosticismskepticism
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Sceptic \Scep"tic\, Sceptical \Scep"tic*al\, Scepticism \Scep"ti*cism\, etc. See Skeptic, Skeptical, Skepticism, etc. [1913 Webster]
Skepticism \Skep"ti*cism\, n. [Cf. F. scepticisme.] [Written also scepticism.]
1.An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty. [1913 Webster]
That momentary amazement, and irresolution, and confusion, which is the result of skepticism.— Hune.[1913 Webster]
2.(Metaph.) 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. [1913 Webster]
3.(Theol.) 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. [1913 Webster]
Let no . . . secret skepticism lead any one to doubt whether this blessed prospect will be realized.— S. Miller.[1913 Webster]