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(), 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. 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. 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. 3. (Theol.) A person who doubts the existence and perfections of God, or the truth of revelati Skep"tic (), Skep"tical ()} 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. 2. (Theol.) Doubting or denying the truth of revelation, or the sacred Scriptures. The skeptical system subverts the whole foundation of morals. R. Hall. -- Skep"tacally, adv. -- Skep"ticalness, n. スポンサード リンク
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