who is the pioneer of this concept?
2006-07-21 15:18:54 · 23 answers · asked by ? 2 in Social Science ➔ Psychology
the word is derived from the Greek word "a" meaning "without" and "gnosis" meaning "knowledge". Thus the definition of agnosticism is "without knowledge" or the belief that there is not, and cannot ever be, sufficient knowledge or data to determine whether or not God does or does not exist.
2006-07-21 15:22:01 · answer #1 · answered by Marvinator 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Agnosticism is a noun that simply means an uncertainty of the existence of a higher power or being such as God. I don't know who pioneered this concept not really care.
2006-07-21 15:26:08 · answer #2 · answered by jannie g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agnosticism is the philosophical view that the (truth) values of certain claims—particularly theological claims regarding the existence of God, gods, or deities—are unknown, inherently unknowable, or incoherent, and therefore, (some agnostics may go as far to say) irrelevant to life. The term and the related agnostic were coined by Thomas Henry Huxley in 1869, and are also used to describe those who are unconvinced or noncommittal about the existence of deities as well as other matters of religion. The word agnostic comes from the Greek a (without) and gnosis (knowledge). Agnosticism is not to be confused with a view specifically opposing the doctrine of gnosis and Gnosticism—these are religious concepts that are not generally related to agnosticism.
Agnosticism is distinct from, but compatible with, atheism. It is also compatible with theism. This is because agnosticism is a view about knowledge concerning God, whereas theism and atheism are beliefs (or lack thereof) concerning God. For example, it is possible to believe in God but to believe that knowledge about God is not obtainable.
Agnostics may claim that it is not possible to have absolute or certain spiritual knowledge or, alternatively, that while certainty may be possible, they personally have no such knowledge. Agnosticism in both cases involves some form of skepticism towards religious statements. Some claim that there is nothing distinctive in being an agnostic because even theists do not claim to know God exists, only to believe it, and many even agree there is room for doubt; and atheists in the broader sense do not claim to know there is no God, only not to believe in one.
2006-07-21 15:19:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i dont know who pioneered this concept, but agnosticism is the belief that the existence of a higher power cannot be proved or disproved. i subscribe to this notion myself.
2006-07-21 15:33:39 · answer #4 · answered by swot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to believe that "agnosticism" was the philosophy that it is impossible to know for sure whether or not God exists or if an after-life exists. Therefore, an agnostic does not rule out the possibility of God, but will not accept that He exists for sure.
But recently, I changed my mind on how to define "agnostic" and now I'm not sure.
*cough* Subtle Irony *cough*
2006-07-21 15:28:54 · answer #5 · answered by broxolm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Basically ...
You believe in God.
He exists, yes... but there isn't anything He can do about how you live your life. He doesn't mess with your business, and you don't wonder about His.
Here's more info for your questions, love. =) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnosticism
Thomas Henry Huxley, a British biology, was a main pioneer for this belief. He was an accomplice of Darwin.
2006-07-21 15:19:37 · answer #6 · answered by Hatake Seraph 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, many of you are correct. Agnostisism, does come from the greek "not knowing" but it is now related to "not related" and has been for three centuries. "Agnostics" do not believe in any particular religion but believe in some sort of higher being, most of them. To compare agnostics and atheists is an insult to agnostics. They simply try to follow the word of God/Allah (hallowed be his name)/Jahweh or whomever. We all must believe in something, if only we all believed in Justice, Peace, Love outside of a church/temple/mosque. Freedom and liberty for all, isn't it?
2006-07-21 17:27:58 · answer #7 · answered by wilf69 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
being agnostic means you don't know if there is a God. Not being drawn to any denomination is fine in my opinion you would probable belong to a non-denominational church. If you really want to be part of a specific denomination you should try a different church every week (i.e. Baptist first, Presbyterian second etc.) and talk to the leaders of the church.
2006-07-21 15:22:36 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The doctrine that certainty about first principles or absolute truth is unattainable and that only perceptual phenomena are objects of exact knowledge.
The belief that there can be no proof either that God exists or that God does not exist.
2006-07-21 15:25:54 · answer #9 · answered by Jon P 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you realize that in America a women is beaten every three minutes ... some for not using the dictionary.
2006-07-21 15:24:11 · answer #10 · answered by Sam 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋