Skeptic \Skep"tic\, n. [Gr. skeptiko`s thoughtful, reflective,
fr. ske`ptesqai to look carefully or about, to view,
consider: cf. L. scepticus, F. sceptique. See Scope.]
[Written also sceptic.]
1. One who is yet undecided as to what is true; one who is
looking or inquiring for what is true; an inquirer after
facts or reasons.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Metaph.) A doubter as to whether any fact or truth can be
certainly known; a universal doubter; a Pyrrhonist; hence,
in modern usage, occasionally, a person who questions
whether any truth or fact can be established on
philosophical grounds; sometimes, a critical inquirer, in
opposition to a dogmatist.
[1913 Webster]
All this criticism [of Hume] proceeds upon the
erroneous hypothesis that he was a dogmatist. He was
a skeptic; that is, he accepted the principles
asserted by the prevailing dogmatism: and only
showed that such and such conclusions were, on these
principles, inevitable. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Theol.) A person who doubts the existence and perfections
of God, or the truth of revelation; one who disbelieves
the divine origin of the Christian religion.
[1913 Webster]
Suffer not your faith to be shaken by the
sophistries of skeptics. --S. Clarke.
[1913 Webster]
Note: This word and its derivatives are often written with c
instead of k in the first syllable, -- sceptic,
sceptical, scepticism, etc. Dr. Johnson, struck with
the extraordinary irregularity of giving c its hard
sound before e, altered the spelling, and his example
has been followed by most of the lexicographers who
have succeeded him; yet the prevalent practice among
English writers and printers is in favor of the other
mode. In the United States this practice is reversed, a
large and increasing majority of educated persons
preferring the orthography which is most in accordance
with etymology and analogy.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Infidel; unbeliever; doubter. -- See Infidel.
[1913 Webster] Skeptic
|
Skeptic \Skep"tic\, Skeptical \Skep"tic*al\, a. [Written also
sceptic, sceptical.]
1. Of or pertaining to a sceptic or skepticism; characterized
by skepticism; hesitating to admit the certainly of
doctrines or principles; doubting of everything.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Theol.) Doubting or denying the truth of revelation, or
the sacred Scriptures.
[1913 Webster]
The skeptical system subverts the whole foundation
of morals. --R. Hall.
[1913 Webster] -- Skep"tac*al*ly, adv. --
Skep"tic*al*ness, n.
[1913 Webster]
|