Agnostic Beliefs
The agnostic belief is that of analyzing the “truth” value of particular claims. A prime example of the agnostic view about religion is that the existence of any god or deity, along with many other religious claims is completely unknown. Agnostic beliefs are aimed at questioning uncertainties and approaching problems and unknowns with a level of indubitableness. Its goal is to distinguish the idea of “beliefs” and the idea of “knowledge” rather than examining any specific stance or belief.
The Origin of the Term Agnostic:
Although the English biologist, Thomas Henry Huxley developed the term Agnostic in the year 1860, many other writings demonstrating the agnostic system and points of view predated Huxley’s work. Works as early as 5th century BCE were created that had many ideals that eventually became classified as agnostic viewpoints, such as from Protagoras, the Greek philosopher. Years after Huxley’s formation of the term, all writings based in agnosticism have been classified as such and gained momentum in popularity.
The word “agnostic” comes from the Greek words meaning “without” and “knowledge” and was first used by Thomas Henry Huxley during a speech that was given to the Metaphysical Society in 1876. The term was originally used by Huxley to describe the rejection of all spiritual beliefs and mystical beliefs that are perceived as knowledge, using the term in a broad sense. It was meant to reject the beliefs of all religions.
Agnostic Beliefs of Historical Philosophers:
The traditional agnostic beliefs have been around for many years before Huxley, though he was the first philosopher to coin the term. He used it to sum up his thoughts about recent developments in metaphysics and all things that he thought were unknowable by humans. The following is an account of Huxley’s agnostic beliefs before he coined the term:
“I have never had the least sympathy with the a priori reasons against orthodoxy, and I have by nature and disposition the greatest possible antipathy to all the atheistic and infidel school. Nevertheless I know that I am, in spite of myself, exactly what the Christian would call, and, so far as I can see, is justified in calling, atheist and infidel.”
These agnostic beliefs from Huxley came in response, along with other philosophers to the general suppression of new scientific discovers by religious groups.
Robert G. Ingersoll was a lawyer and politician who became one of the most renown figures in the agnostic belief. Ingersoll was famous for giving the Why I Am An Agnostic lecture in 1896, which is thoughts were summed up as follows:
“Is there a supernatural power—an arbitrary mind—an enthroned God—a supreme will that sways the tides and currents of the world—to which all causes bow? I do not deny. I do not know—but I do not believe. I believe that the natural is supreme—that from the infinite chain no link can be lost or broken—that there is no supernatural power that can answer prayer—no power that worship can persuade or change—no power that cares for man.”