scepticism

scepticism
    n 1: the disbelief in any claims of ultimate knowledge [syn:
         {agnosticism}, {skepticism}, {scepticism}]
    

Sceptic \Scep"tic\, Sceptical \Scep"tic*al\, Scepticism
\Scep"ti*cism\, etc.
   See {Skeptic}, {Skeptical}, {Skepticism}, etc.
   [1913 Webster]
    

Skepticism \Skep"ti*cism\, n. [Cf. F. scepticisme.] [Written
   also {scepticism}.]
   1. An undecided, inquiring state of mind; doubt; uncertainty.
      [1913 Webster]

            That momentary amazement, and irresolution, and
            confusion, which is the result of skepticism.
                                                  --Hune.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Metaph.) 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.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Theol.) 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.
      [1913 Webster]

            Let no . . . secret skepticism lead any one to doubt
            whether this blessed prospect will be realized. --S.
                                                  Miller.
      [1913 Webster]