key term - Skepticism

Definition

Skepticism is an intellectual approach that questions the validity of knowledge claims, advocating for critical thinking and empirical evidence. During the Enlightenment, skepticism emerged as a key philosophical stance that encouraged individuals to challenge traditional beliefs and dogmas, promoting the pursuit of reason and scientific inquiry over blind faith.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Skepticism in the Enlightenment encouraged questioning of established religious and political authorities, fostering a climate of intellectual freedom.
2. Philosophers like René Descartes and David Hume were prominent figures who contributed to skepticism by advocating for doubt and empirical investigation.
3. Skepticism helped lay the groundwork for modern scientific methods by insisting that knowledge should be based on observation and experimentation.
4. The rise of skepticism led to a decline in absolute truths previously held by religious institutions, promoting a more pluralistic worldview.
5. Skepticism also played a role in ethical discussions during the Enlightenment, prompting debates about morality based on reason rather than tradition.

Review Questions

• How did skepticism influence the way people viewed traditional beliefs during the Enlightenment?
  • Skepticism significantly changed how people approached traditional beliefs by encouraging them to critically analyze and question established doctrines. Instead of accepting ideas based on authority or tradition, individuals began to seek evidence and reason behind these beliefs. This shift promoted intellectual independence, leading many to reject dogmatic views in favor of a more empirical understanding of the world.
• What role did key philosophers play in advancing skepticism during the Enlightenment?
  • Key philosophers such as René Descartes and David Hume advanced skepticism by challenging existing paradigms about knowledge and belief. Descartes famously used methodological doubt as a tool to ascertain certainty, which laid the foundation for modern philosophy. Hume questioned causation and the reliability of human perception, emphasizing that knowledge should be rooted in observable phenomena. Their contributions helped to shape a skeptical approach that valued reason and evidence over unexamined faith.
• In what ways did skepticism contribute to the development of modern scientific thought and practices?
  • Skepticism contributed to modern scientific thought by instilling a rigorous emphasis on inquiry, observation, and evidence. The skepticism towards accepted truths pushed scientists to formulate hypotheses that could be tested through experimentation. This critical perspective led to significant advancements in various fields, such as physics and biology, as thinkers sought to replace superstition and speculation with demonstrable facts. Ultimately, skepticism fostered a culture of questioning that remains central to scientific practice today.

Related terms

Empiricism:

A philosophical theory emphasizing knowledge derived from sensory experience and evidence rather than intuition or revelation.

Rationalism:

The belief that reason and logical argument are the primary sources of knowledge, often contrasting with empiricism.

Humanism: An intellectual movement that focused on human values, potential, and achievements, emphasizing the importance of individual experience and critical thinking.