Skepticism it is a state from who doubt everything, who is unbelieving. A skeptical individual is characterized by having a constant predisposition to doubt, to disbelief.
Skepticism is a philosophical system founded by the Greek philosopher Pyrrhus (318 a. C.-272 a. C.), which is based on the assertion that man does not have the capacity to achieve absolute certainty about a specific truth or knowledge. At the opposite extreme to skepticism as a philosophical current is dogmatism.
The skeptic questions everything that is presented to him as the truth and does not admit the existence of dogmas, religious or metaphysical phenomena.
The skeptic may use critical thinking and the scientific method (scientific skepticism) in an attempt to prove the veracity of some thesis. However, resorting to the scientific method is not an imperative need for the skeptic, who may often prefer empirical evidence to attest to the validity of their ideas.
philosophical skepticism
Philosophical skepticism had its origins in Greek philosophy and consisted in a denial of the fundamental validity of some theses or philosophical currents.
This kind of skepticism presupposes an attitude that doubts the notion of absolute truth or absolute knowledge. Philosophical skepticism opposed currents such as Stoicism and Dogmatism.
Absolute and relative skepticism
Skepticism can have some degrees of intensity. As the name implies, the absolute skepticism created by Gorgia reveals that it is not possible to know the truth, because the senses are deceiving. So, everything is considered an illusion.
On the other hand, relative skepticism does not so vehemently deny the possibility of knowing the truth, denying only in part the possibility of knowledge, but at the same time admitting that there is a probability. Some currents that presented ideas of relative skepticism are: pragmatism, relativism, probabilism and subjectivism.
Skepticism and Dogmatism
According to the philosopher Immanuel Kant, skepticism is the opposite of dogmatism. While dogmatism indicates a belief in an absolute and indisputable truth, skepticism is characteristic of a attitude of doubt in relation to these truths or the ability to definitively resolve issues philosophical.
scientific skepticism
Scientific skepticism indicates an attitude based on the scientific method, which intends to question the truth of a scientific hypothesis or thesis, trying to present arguments that prove or deny it.
religious skepticism
Skepticism is often seen as an attitude opposite to faith. Thus, religious skepticism doubts religious traditions and culture, also questioning the notions and teachings transmitted by religions.
See too:
- Nihilism
- ancient philosophy
