Agnosticism is a philosophical view holding that the question of God's existence or the existence of powers beyond nature cannot be settled by human reason and evidence. A person holding this view does not claim that God exists, nor does he claim that God does not exist; rather, he maintains that knowledge is insufficient for a definite conclusion.

This view differs from atheism, which is an outright denial of God's existence. It also differs from theism. Whereas both of these take a position, agnosticism speaks to the limits of knowledge—it is not a claim about what a person believes.

NoteNote: The Somali term "diinlaawanimo" is often used to describe a person without religion in general (irreligion) or atheism. This entry is based on the philosophical meaning of "agnosticism"—this distinction should be kept in mind when reading the term.

Etymology

The English word "agnostic" comes from Greek: "a-" (without) and "gnosis" (knowledge), meaning "unknowing." The term was introduced by the English biologist Thomas Henry Huxley in the nineteenth century to describe his position: that one should not claim what cannot be supported by evidence. The idea itself, however, can be found in earlier philosophical writings.

Internal distinctions

Philosophers commonly distinguish two types. Weak agnosticism holds that the question cannot be settled at present but may be resolved in the future with new evidence. Strong agnosticism holds that the question is one that can never be resolved with certainty, because the subject lies beyond the reach of sense and experience.

Combinations are also used: one may be called an "agnostic atheist" (does not believe and does not claim to know) or an "agnostic theist" (does believe but does not claim to have definite proof). This is because belief and knowledge are two different states.

Place in philosophical debate

In philosophy of religion, agnosticism is tied to debates about the limits of knowledge in epistemology. Questions under discussion include: who bears the burden of proof? Is it possible for truth to exist beyond what can be tested? Some religious groups argue that agnosticism sidesteps an important question without deciding it; supporters respond that the absence of a claim and honesty is better than certainty without proof.

UncertaintyNote: Estimates of how many people worldwide identify as agnostic vary widely, because the underlying questions and definitions used are not uniform. No specific figure is given here.

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