SKEPTICISM

incredulity, disbelief, skepticism, mental rejection

(noun) doubt about the truth of something

agnosticism, skepticism, scepticism

(noun) the disbelief in any claims of ultimate knowledge

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

skepticism (countable and uncountable, plural skepticisms) (American spelling)

The practice or philosophy of being a skeptic.

A studied attitude of questioning and doubt

The doctrine that absolute knowledge is not possible

A methodology that starts from a neutral standpoint and aims to acquire certainty though scientific or logical observation.

Doubt or disbelief of religious doctrines

Source: Wiktionary

Skep"ti*cism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. scepticisme.] [Written also scepticism.]

1. An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty. That momentary amazement, and irresolution, and confusion, which is the result of skepticism. Hune.

2. (Metaph.)

Definition: The doctrine that no fact or principle can be certainly known; the tenet that all knowledge is uncertain; Pyrrohonism; universal doubt; the position that no fact or truth, however worthy of confidence, can be established on philosophical grounds; critical investigation or inquiry, as opposed to the positive assumption or assertion of certain principles.

3. (Theol.)

Definition: A doubting of the truth of revelation, or a denial of the divine origin of the Christian religion, or of the being, perfections, or truth of God. Let no . . . secret skepticism lead any one to doubt whether this blessed prospect will be realized. S. Miller.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition