A origem do agnosticismo.

Summary

In this video, Ricardo, from the YouTube channel 'História do Ricardo Rom,' explains the origin of the term 'agnosticism,' coined by the English biologist Thomas Huxley in the 19th century. The term arose from debates between science and religion, particularly following Darwin's *On the Origin of Species*. Huxley used agnosticism to describe a position on the limits of human knowledge, especially concerning theological matters. The video delves into Huxley's distinction between scientific and religious knowledge, as well as the political implications of identifying as agnostic rather than atheist in 19th-century England.

Takeaways

• 😀 Thomas Huxley created the term 'agnosticism' in 1869, during a period of intense scientific and religious debate in Victorian England.
• 😀 The concept of agnosticism emerged as a response to Charles Darwin's 1859 publication of 'On the Origin of Species,' which challenged the biblical explanation of life on Earth.
• 😀 Agnosticism, according to Huxley, focuses on the limits of human knowledge rather than on questions of faith or belief in God.
• 😀 Huxley coined 'agnosticism' from Greek words: 'gnosis' meaning knowledge and 'a-' meaning absence, implying a lack of knowledge about certain existential questions.
• 😀 Agnosticism is described as an epistemological position, concerned with the impossibility of certain knowledge rather than religious belief or disbelief.
• 😀 Huxley’s view was that human knowledge is rooted in empirical investigation and that matters of theology cannot be addressed by the same scientific methods.
• 😀 The term agnosticism was also seen as a way to distinguish between scientific inquiry and religious theology, each with its own distinct epistemological foundation.
• 😀 Huxley’s stance on agnosticism placed him at odds with religious explanations of natural phenomena, advocating instead for scientific knowledge based on empirical evidence.
• 😀 Politically, Huxley’s identification as agnostic rather than atheist might have been a strategic choice to avoid associations with radical political movements tied to atheism in 19th-century England.
• 😀 Over time, the meaning of agnosticism evolved, with various thinkers interpreting it in different ways, expanding the concept beyond its original philosophical context.

Q & A

What is the origin of the term 'agnosticism'?

The term 'agnosticism' was coined in the late 19th century by the English biologist Thomas Huxley, in the context of scientific and theological debates, particularly after the publication of Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species'.

How did Charles Darwin's 'On the Origin of Species' influence the creation of the term 'agnosticism'?

Darwin's book introduced the theory of evolution and natural selection, which challenged the biblical narrative of creation. This led to intense debates between science and religion, and Huxley coined 'agnosticism' as a way to express uncertainty about the existence of God based on empirical knowledge.

What is the meaning of the word 'agnosticism'?

The word 'agnosticism' is derived from two Greek words: 'gnosis', meaning knowledge, and 'a-', meaning the absence of. Thus, agnosticism refers to the absence of knowledge or the inability to know for certain about certain matters, such as the existence of God.

What was the central idea behind Thomas Huxley's use of the term 'agnosticism'?

Huxley used 'agnosticism' to describe a position that acknowledges the limits of human cognitive faculties. It emphasizes the inability to know certain things, especially those related to theology and the existence of God, through empirical evidence or scientific inquiry.

How did Huxley differentiate science and theology in his view of agnosticism?

Huxley argued that science and theology represent separate spheres of knowledge. Science is based on empirical investigation and evidence, while theology deals with matters of faith, which cannot be verified or proven scientifically.

Why did Huxley prefer to call himself an agnostic rather than an atheist?

Huxley preferred 'agnosticism' because it avoided making definitive claims about the existence of God. Unlike atheism, which asserts the non-existence of God, agnosticism focuses on the inability to know for sure, thus leaving room for uncertainty.

What was the political context surrounding the use of the term 'agnosticism' in the 19th century?

In 19th-century England, atheism was often associated with radical political movements, including leftist and revolutionary ideologies. Huxley may have chosen the term 'agnosticism' to avoid the political connotations linked to atheism and to separate his ideas from those movements.

How did the scientific and religious communities react to Darwin's theory of evolution?

Many scientists and religious leaders rejected or opposed Darwin's theory because it contradicted the biblical creation story. The book sparked debates about the role of science in explaining the origins of life, with some seeing it as a challenge to religious beliefs.

What does the concept of 'epistemology' have to do with agnosticism?

Epistemology is the study of knowledge, and in the context of agnosticism, it refers to the limitations of human knowledge. Huxley's agnosticism suggests that certain truths, such as the existence of God, are beyond our capacity to fully comprehend or prove.

How has the concept of agnosticism evolved since Huxley's time?

Since Huxley's time, the concept of agnosticism has expanded to include various interpretations, with different philosophers and thinkers incorporating it into their ideas. Many thinkers from before the 19th century have also been viewed through the lens of agnosticism, depending on their views on knowledge and certainty.