know-nothingism

Definition

Noun - Philosophy: "Know-nothingism" refers to the philosophical doctrine or attitude that knowledge is impossible or that certain things cannot be known. It is synonymous with agnosticism or extreme skepticism. - Historical politics: "Know-nothingism" also denotes the principles and practices of the Know-Nothing Party, a 19th-century American political movement characterized by nativism, anti-immigrant sentiment, and secrecy.

Usage Examples

• Philosophical context: (The professor criticized the view that nothing can be known.)
• Historical political context: (The political movement of the Know-Nothing Party caused hostility toward newcomers.)

Advanced Usage

• "Extreme know-nothingism": an intensified form of skepticism or ignorance.
  • His extreme know-nothingism prevented him from engaging in any meaningful scientific debate. (His refusal to accept any knowledge blocked productive discussion.)
• "Cultural know-nothingism": a dismissive attitude toward learning or intellectual pursuits.
  • The trend of cultural know-nothingism in some circles values ignorance over education. (A social tendency that celebrates lack of knowledge.)

Variants and Related Words

• Know-nothing (n): a person who believes in know-nothingism; also a member of the Know-Nothing Party.
  • He was called a know-nothing for rejecting all scientific evidence. (He was labeled as someone who denies knowledge.)
• Know-nothing (adj): relating to the Know-Nothing Party or its principles.
  • The know-nothing candidate campaigned on anti-immigrant rhetoric. (The politician supported the party's nativist ideas.)

Synonyms

• Agnosticism: the belief that nothing is known or can be known about the existence of God or ultimate reality.
• Skepticism: a doubting or questioning attitude toward claims of knowledge.
• Nativism: (in historical context) the policy of protecting the interests of native-born inhabitants against those of immigrants.

Related Idioms

• "Willful ignorance": the deliberate choice to remain uninformed.
  • His know-nothingism was a form of willful ignorance; he refused to read any books on the topic. (He consciously avoided gaining knowledge.)
• "Head in the sand": an attitude of ignoring unpleasant realities.
  • The government's know-nothingism about climate change is like keeping its head in the sand. (The government refuses to acknowledge scientific facts.)