Pyrrhonism noun. ['pɪrǝnɪz(ǝ)m] L17.
[from Greek Purrhōn Pyrrho (see below) + -ISM.]
A system of sceptic philosophy taught by Pyrrho of Elis (c 300 BC), founder of the first school of Greek sceptic philosophy; the doctrine of the impossibility of attaining certainty of knowledge; absolute or universal scepticism. Also (gen.), scepticism, incredulity.
Philosophical Quarterly Pyrrhonism comes from failing to distinguish between a demonstration, a proof and a probability.

■ Py'rrhonic noun & adjective (a) noun = Pyrrhonist; (b) adjective of or pertaining to Pyrrho or his doctrines; purely sceptical: L16.

■ Pyrrhonist noun a follower or adherent of Pyrrho; an advocate of Pyrrhonism; a sceptic: L16.

■ Pyrrho'nistic adjective of the nature of a Pyrrhonist or of Pyrrhonism L19.

■ pyrrhonize verb (rare) (a) verb intrans. practise Pyrrhonism; be sceptical; (b) verb trans. treat sceptically: E17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲