scepticism

Everyday

1. Doubt about whether something is true or will work. tree →
2. The habit of not believing things until there is good evidence. tree →
3. (philosophy) The idea that we cannot be sure of some or any knowledge. tree →

In the lessons

In science and media lessons healthy scepticism means checking facts and asking «how do we know?» before believing a claim, an advert or something online. In stories a sceptical character doubts magic or ghosts. Phrases: «healthy scepticism», «treated with scepticism», «scepticism about».

Examples

• The claim was met with scepticism. tree →
• A good scientist uses scepticism and checks the evidence. tree →
• She viewed the advert with scepticism. tree →
• Healthy scepticism helps you spot fake news. tree →
• His scepticism about ghosts disappeared when the door creaked. tree →
• Philosophers argue about scepticism and what we can really know. tree →

Note

UK spelling: scepticism; US spelling: skepticism. Pronounced «SKEP-ti-sizm» (the «c» sounds like «k»). Adjective: «sceptical» / «skeptical». Scepticism is not the same as refusing all evidence.