Meaning of Skepticism (What is it, Concept and Definition)

What is Skepticism:

As skepticism is known the attitude of distrust or doubt that manifests itself before the truth or the effectiveness of something As such, the word derives from skeptic , which comes from the Greek σκεπτικός (skeptikos), which means 'the one who examines'.

Skepticism is also the name of a stream of philosophical thinking according to which we must doubt all things, phenomena and facts, and that it affirms that the truth does not exist, but that, if there were, man would be unable to know it.

Skepticism can also be true pessimistic propensity , consisting of seeing things in an always unfavorable way.For example: “Julio maintained his skepticism despite the positive outcome of the meeting.”

Also, skepticism can refer to a certain attitude of disbelief or apprehension regarding the purity and moral and ethical value of the actions of men .For example: "The skepticism of society against politicians has resulted in a great abstention in the last elections."

Skepticism in Philosophy

In Philosophy , skepticism is a current of thought that is based on the doubt extended to all things, sensations, phenomena or facts that are presented to consciousness, and which considers that all information must be supported by the evidence.In this sense, it manifests itself fundamentally as an inquisitive attitude to knowledge.

The skeptic doubts everything, even his own judgment.That is why it is characteristic of skeptic thinking not to take for granted , from good to first, no truth or accept any dogma, whether it refers to religion, to established social values, or to phenomena of another indole, hence presenting a position opposed to dogmatism.

See also Dogmatism.

As such, the principal is representatives of this philosophy were Pirron de Elis (365-275 BC) and Timon de Fliunte (325-235 BC), in Ancient Greece, while during the Renaissance, the activity of Michel de Montaigne (1533-1592) will give a new dimension to this philosophical current.

Religious skepticism

Skepticism has been extended to the scope of religion from the questioning of the basic principles that underlie faith, as revelation, providence or immortality.

Scientific skepticism

Skepticism has its expression in the sciences with scientific skepticism, according to which all beliefs about facts and phenomena must be examined under rigorous methods of factual demonstration.

Methodical skepticism

Methodical skepticism is one that questions everything around us through a process of inquiry cion philosophical.Its objective, with this, is to discard the false to access a safe, accurate knowledge.

Professional skepticism

As a professional skepticism is known the attitude with which a Accounting professional should proceed before an audit, and that is characterized by the inquisitive capacity and critical evaluation of the evidence, without taking for granted anything that cannot be proven by the evidence.The objective, as such, is to carry out the collection and objectively evaluate the evidence.