AGNOSTICISMS Meaning and
Definition
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Agnosticism is a philosophical standpoint or belief system that posits the inability to know or have knowledge of the existence of a higher power or deity, as well as the inherent limitations of the human mind in comprehending such matters. The term "agnosticism" is derived from the Greek word "agnostos," meaning "unknown" or "unknowable."
Agnostics hold a skeptical view towards religious or metaphysical claims, asserting that the true nature of divinity and ultimate truths lies beyond the grasp of human understanding. There is a recognition that evidence is lacking to support or refute the existence of a higher power, and therefore, agnostics maintain an open-minded position without committing to any specific religious doctrine.
Agnosticism acknowledges the limitations of human perception and cognition, suggesting that there may be realities or dimensions of existence that are beyond the scope of human sensory experiences. Agnostics often emphasize the importance of critical thinking, rational inquiry, and empirical evidence when evaluating philosophical or religious claims, attempting to avoid dogmatism or overconfidence regarding the nature of existence.
It is essential to differentiate between agnosticism and atheism, as they define different positions. While atheism asserts the disbelief or rejection of the existence of a god or gods, agnosticism focuses on the unknowability of such claims and the limitations of human knowledge. Agnosticism, thus, represents a humble acknowledgment of human limitations while maintaining an open stance towards the existence of a higher power.
Common Misspellings for AGNOSTICISMS
- agnosticsm
- agnosticizm
- zgnosticisms
- sgnosticisms
- wgnosticisms
- qgnosticisms
- afnosticisms
- avnosticisms
- abnosticisms
- ahnosticisms
- aynosticisms
- atnosticisms
- agbosticisms
- agmosticisms
- agjosticisms
- aghosticisms
- agnisticisms
- agnksticisms
- agnlsticisms
- agnpsticisms
Etymology of AGNOSTICISMS
The word "agnosticism" (not "agnosticisms") has its origin in the 19th century and was coined by the English biologist Thomas Henry Huxley in 1869. Huxley combined the prefix "a-" (meaning "without" or "lack of") with the noun "gnosis" (meaning "knowledge" or "understanding" in Greek) to create the term "agnosticism". Huxley used this term to describe his philosophical position of holding that the existence of God or any ultimate reality is unknown or unknowable. The term gained widespread usage and became associated with individuals who assert that it is impossible to prove or disprove the existence of God or any metaphysical claim beyond empirical evidence.
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