Agnosticism

Definition

Agnosticism is the philosophical position that asserts the existence or non-existence of a deity or deities is unknown or unknowable. This viewpoint emerged as a response to religious dogma and the growing influence of scientific reasoning, reflecting a shift towards skepticism about metaphysical claims.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Agnosticism gained prominence in the late 19th century, particularly through the works of thinkers like Thomas Huxley, who popularized the term.
2. Unlike atheism, which outright denies the existence of deities, agnosticism remains neutral, stating that human knowledge is limited in understanding the divine.
3. Agnosticism can be divided into 'strong' agnosticism, which holds that it is impossible to know whether any gods exist, and 'weak' agnosticism, which suggests that the truth may be unknown but could be discovered.
4. The rise of scientific inquiry during the 17th and 18th centuries contributed to the popularity of agnostic thought, as people began to seek evidence and rational explanations rather than relying solely on faith.
5. Agnosticism has influenced various cultural and philosophical movements, challenging traditional religious views and promoting a more skeptical approach to metaphysical questions.

Review Questions

• How did the emergence of agnosticism reflect changing attitudes towards religion and science in the late 19th century?
  • The emergence of agnosticism represented a significant shift in attitudes towards religion and science during the late 19th century. As scientific advancements began to challenge established religious beliefs, many individuals started to question dogmatic views. Agnosticism allowed for a more open-minded approach, acknowledging the limitations of human understanding while rejecting both blind faith and outright disbelief.
• Discuss the differences between agnosticism, atheism, and theism, highlighting how these positions address belief in deities.
  • Agnosticism maintains that the existence or non-existence of deities is unknown or unknowable, positioning itself as neutral on matters of faith. Atheism directly denies the existence of any gods, while theism affirms belief in one or more deities. These differing stances illustrate varying approaches to existential questions about divinity and highlight how individuals navigate their beliefs in relation to knowledge and faith.
• Evaluate how empiricism has influenced agnostic thought and its implications for discussions on faith and knowledge.
  • Empiricism has played a crucial role in shaping agnostic thought by prioritizing sensory experience as the foundation for knowledge. This emphasis on evidence and observation challenges traditional religious claims that rely on faith alone. As a result, agnostics often argue for a more skeptical approach to metaphysical assertions, suggesting that without empirical evidence, claims about deities remain unsubstantiated. This philosophical stance encourages ongoing inquiry and critical examination of belief systems.

Related terms

atheism: The belief that there is no deity or deities, often contrasted with agnosticism, which maintains a position of uncertainty.

theism: The belief in the existence of a god or gods, particularly in a personal God who is involved in the world.

empiricism: A philosophical theory that emphasizes knowledge coming from sensory experience, often influencing agnostic perspectives on religious claims.