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scepticism
scepticism, a philosophical stance which questions the possibility of attaining lasting knowledge about the reality, as distinct from the appearance, of things, and which rejects all dogmatism, fanaticism, and intolerance. Scepticism had its origin in the teaching of some of the Sophists in the 5th cent. bc. ‘Pyrrhonian’ scepticism, associated with Pyrrho in the following century, held that any argument supporting one side of a case could be balanced by a contrary argument of equal weight. ‘Academic’ scepticism, associated with the Academy of Carneades, held that although the same evidence is always compatible with two contrary conclusions, some beliefs are more reasonable than others and we can act upon the balance of probabilities. Sceptical techniques have frequently been practised by both supporters and opponents of religion to show that it rests on faith rather than reason. Hume carried the study to new lengths in his Treatise of Human Nature. Since the time of Descartes critics of scepticism, particularly in religion and morals, have tended to depict it as a form of negative dogmatism.
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MARGARET DRABBLE and JENNY STRINGER. "scepticism." The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MARGARET DRABBLE and JENNY STRINGER. "scepticism." The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O54-scepticism.html MARGARET DRABBLE and JENNY STRINGER. "scepticism." The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature. 2003. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O54-scepticism.html |
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scepticism
scepticism Philosophical attitude that asserts the uncertainty of all knowledge and the impossibility of obtaining absolute knowledge. Sceptics consequently take the view that the only course of action is to suspend judgment and adopt a mood of mental tranquillity and indifference.
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Cite this article
"scepticism." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. 28 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "scepticism." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Encyclopedia.com. (May 28, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-scepticism.html "scepticism." World Encyclopedia. 2005. Retrieved May 28, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O142-scepticism.html |
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