Match the vocabulary word with its meaning. 1. cult a way of life where a person withdraws from society to devote self to prayer
and solitude 2. cynicism a philosophy that doubts the attitude, beliefs, or character of others 3. skepticism a philosophy that believes true knowledge is not possible 4. syncretism a religious system regarded as misguided or unorthodox 5. monasticism an ideal or perfect place where everyone lives in harmony 6. utopia a philosophy that attempts to combine different systems of beliefs or practices
Let's match it with descriptions first, terms as answers:
a way of life where a person withdraws from society to devote self to prayer and solitude = MONASTICISM
a philosophy that doubts the attitude, beliefs, or character of others = CYNICISM
a philosophy that believes true knowledge is not possible = SKEPTICISM
a religious system regarded as misguided or unorthodox = CULT
an ideal or perfect place where everyone lives in harmony = UTOPIA
a philosophy that attempts to combine different systems of beliefs or practices = SYNCRETISM
Allow me to say a word in defense of the originators of skepticism in the world of ancient Greek philosophy. The term "skeptic" comes from the Greek verb σκέπτεσθαι (<em>skeptesthai</em>), which means "to search out, consider, inquire." So, yes, Skeptics (as a school of philosophy) said that arriving at absolute, final knowledge was not possible. But that didn't mean they didn't seek after truth as best as humanly possible. Famous among the Skeptics was Sextus Empiricus, who said, "Skeptics keep on searching, but we end by ceasing to dogmatize." In other words, they don't boast with a religious sort of certainty that THIS particular point is truth. Rather, they keep searching and inquiring always, continuing to ask questions and search for additional possibilities.
