scepsis
Definition
- Noun:
- Philosophical doubt: "scepsis" refers to a state of systematic doubt or the practice of questioning the possibility of certain knowledge, often associated with philosophical skepticism.
- General skepticism: In broader usage, "scepsis" denotes a critical attitude of disbelief or uncertainty toward claims, beliefs, or received opinions.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The philosopher's scepsis led him to question every fundamental assumption about reality. (Systematic doubt in a philosophical context.)
- Her scepsis regarding the politician's promises was well-founded. (A general skeptical attitude toward claims.)
Advanced Usage
"to maintain scepsis": to deliberately withhold judgment or belief.
- The scientist maintained scepsis about the new theory until more evidence was gathered. (He refrained from accepting the theory without proof.)
"scepsis as a method": the use of doubt as a tool for inquiry, especially in epistemology.
- Cartesian scepsis involves doubting everything that can be doubted to find a foundation for knowledge. (The methodological doubt used by René Descartes.)
Variants and Related Words
- Skepticism (n): a common variant spelling of "scepsis," meaning an attitude of doubt or the philosophical doctrine that knowledge is uncertain.
- Her skepticism about the results was justified. (Her doubt was reasonable.)
- Skeptical (adj): inclined to question or doubt.
- He gave a skeptical look at the advertisement. (He expressed doubt about its truth.)
Synonyms
- Doubt: a feeling of uncertainty or lack of conviction.
- Disbelief: inability or refusal to accept something as true.
- Incredulity: the state of being unwilling or unable to believe something.
Related Idioms
"take with a grain of salt": to view something with skepticism or doubt.
- You should take his claims with a grain of salt. (Be skeptical about his statements.)
"a healthy dose of scepsis": a reasonable amount of doubt or caution.
- Approach the news with a healthy dose of scepsis. (Be cautious and questioning.)