Need another word for epistemic nihilism? Use these synonyms of epistemic nihilism from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
skepticism
relativism
pessimism
cynicism
nihilism
agnosticism
atheism
secularism
humanism
existentialism
absurdism
fatalism
determinism
empiricism
rationalism
intellectualism
dogmatism
fanaticism
radicalism
extremism
fundamentalism
irrationalism
illogicalness
meaninglessness
pointlessness
hopelessness
despair
desperation
cynicism
pragmatism
stoicism
hedonism
egoism
solipsism
subjectivism
objectivism
moralism
absolutism
Meaning of epistemic nihilism
The primary meaning of "epistemic nihilism" refers to a philosophical position that rejects the possibility of knowledge or truth.
Definitions
- Epistemic nihilism is a philosophical theory that knowledge is impossible, or that there is no such thing as objective truth.
- * It is a skeptical position that questions the nature of knowledge and reality, often leading to a rejection of traditional notions of truth and understanding.
Etymology of epistemic nihilism
The term "epistemic" comes from the Greek word "episteme," meaning knowledge or science.
"Nihilism" comes from the Latin word "nihil," meaning nothing, and the suffix "-ism," which forms a noun indicating a doctrine or theory.
The concept of epistemic nihilism has its roots in ancient philosophical debates, particularly in the works of skeptics like Sextus Empiricus, and has evolved over time to encompass various forms of skepticism and relativism.
Example Uses
- The philosopher's arguments led to a form of epistemic nihilism, where he questioned the possibility of knowing anything with certainty.
- * The rise of postmodernism and social constructivism has been linked to a growing trend of epistemic nihilism in academic and intellectual circles.
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
optimism
absolutism
dogmatism
fundamentalism
objectivism
rationalism
intellectualism
humanism
existentialism
pragmatism
stoicism
positivism
empiricism
realism
naturalism
materialism
determinism
fatalism
essentialism
idealism
utopianism
perfectionism