AGNOSTICISM
Agnosticism is a philosophical view that holds that the existence or non-existence of a higher power, such as a god or gods, is unknown or unknowable (Lamont, 2019). This view is based on the idea that the evidence for or against the existence of a higher power is inconclusive, and thus agnostics do not take a stance on whether a higher power exists or not. Agnosticism is distinct from atheism, which is a philosophical view that holds that there is no higher power, and theism, which is a philosophical view that holds that there is a higher power (Lamont, 2019).
The concept of agnosticism can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the Pre-Socratic philosopher Protagoras wrote that “concerning the gods, I am unable to know whether they exist or not, or what form they might have, for there are many hindrances to knowledge, the obscurity of the subject and the brevity of human life” (Lamont, 2019, p. 68). This sentiment of uncertainty about the existence of a higher power has continued into modern times, and today agnosticism is a popular philosophical view.
Agnosticism is often associated with the scientific method, which focuses on evidence-based knowledge. Agnostics often rely on empirical evidence when considering the existence of a higher power, and thus many scientists and philosophers are agnostic (Lamont, 2019). Furthermore, agnostics often take a “wait and see” approach to questions of the existence of a higher power, believing that additional evidence may be discovered in the future.
Agnosticism is a broad category and includes several different types of views. “Weak agnosticism” is the view that the existence of a higher power is unknown or unknowable, but may be known in the future (Lamont, 2019). “Strong agnosticism” is the view that the existence of a higher power is unknowable and will never be known. Finally, “practical agnosticism” is the view that it is not necessary to take a stance on the existence of a higher power in order to live a meaningful life (Lamont, 2019).
In conclusion, agnosticism is a philosophical view that holds that the existence or non-existence of a higher power is unknown or unknowable. This view has its roots in ancient Greece, and is often associated with the scientific method. Agnosticism is a broad category and includes several different types of views, ranging from weak agnosticism to practical agnosticism.
References
Lamont, S. (2019). Philosophy and the scientific method. Routledge.