agnosticism

[ ag-nos-tuh-siz-uhm ]

noun

1. the belief that the answers to the basic questions of existence, such as the nature of the ultimate cause and whether or not there is a supreme being, are unknown or unknowable.
2. an intellectual doctrine or attitude affirming the uncertainty of all claims to ultimate knowledge.
3. an attitude or view that does not conform to either of two opposing positions on a topic.

agnosticism

1. A denial of knowledge about whether there is or is not a God. An agnostic insists that it is impossible to prove that there is no God and impossible to prove that there is one. ( Compare atheism .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of agnosticism¹

First recorded in 1870–75; agnostic ( def ) + -ism ( def )

Example Sentences

Each brick of evidence must be placed on top of another, each layer of mortar mixed through the arguments, scepticism and agnosticism of many, many scientists.

From Scientific American

Also, Mr. Piper responds in his “Ask Dr. E” column to a reader who asks, “Isn’t agnosticism frankly the most honest position?” pushing back on the notion with a faith-filled response.

From Washington Times

E: Isn’t agnosticism frankly the most honest position?

From Washington Times

Cullors revealed that she was raised a Jehovah’s Witness, but later went through phases of atheism and agnosticism.

From New York Times

Given a choice between fact and fiction, between law and anarchy, between democracy and thuggery, the speaker of the House proclaimed his agnosticism.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• ambiguity
• apprehension
• confusion
• difficulty
• disbelief
• distrust
• fear
• hesitation
• misgiving
• mistrust
• problem
• qualm
• reluctance
• skepticism
• suspense
• suspicion
• uncertainty