skepticism

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science American English · Academic

n. the habit of only believing things that can be proven by facts and science.

n. the method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism characteristic of skeptics; a requirement for empirical evidence before accepting a claim.

“Scientific skepticism means we don't accept new ideas until we see the evidence.”

“The peer-review process is designed to apply rigorous skepticism to new findings, ensuring that only well-supported theories enter the scientific canon.”

C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Philosophy American English · Academic · Formal

n. the philosophical idea that people can never be 100% certain about anything.

n. the doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain; the method of suspended judgment.

“In his philosophy class, they discussed skepticism and whether we can trust our own senses.”

“Radical skepticism challenges the very possibility of objective knowledge, suggesting that our perceptions may not correspond to an external reality.”