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Definition:
The word skepticism comes from the Greek term skeptein, which means "to reflect
or consider," and is used to refer to any view which involves or places a premium on
doubt and questioning. As a formal philosophy, it argues that unless we can know
something absolutely and with perfect certainty, then we cannot know anything at all.
Usually, however, what is meant is a sort of methodological skepticism, which involves adopting a lack of knowledge and certainty as a starting point in order to see if evidence and reason allow for moving further. In this sense, most atheists are also skeptics in that they doubt and question the claims made on behalf of religion and theism.
Also Known As: reductivism
Alternate Spellings: scepticism
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Epistemology?
Epistemology is the investigation into the grounds and nature of knowledge itself. Epistemological studies are usually focused upon our means for acquiring knowledge, and as a consequence, modern epistemology generally involves a debate between rationalism and empiricism, or the question of whether knowledge can be acquired a priori or a posteriori.What is Philosophy?
What is philosophy? Is there any point in studying philosophy, or is it a useless subject? What are the different branches of philosophy - what's the difference between aestheitcs and ethics? What's the difference between metaphysics and epistemology?
