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Skepticism - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Skepticism : \Skep"ti*cism\, n. [Cf. F. scepticisme.] [Written
also scepticism.]
1. An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty.
That momentary amazement, and irresolution, and
confusion, which is the result of skepticism.
--Hune.
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.
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.
Let no . . . secret skepticism lead any one to doubt
whether this blessed prospect will be realized. --S.
Miller.
Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)
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