An Agnostic\'s Apology (Agnosticism)

by dhw, Friday, August 12, 2011, 17:35 (4634 days ago) @ George Jelliss

My thanks to George for drawing our attention to the magnificent essay by Sir Leslie Stephen on agnosticism. David says it gives us a wonderful look into the thinking of the times, but I would say it gives us a wonderful look into the thinking of our own times. Science of course has marched on, but the author's dissection of religious dogma remains absolutely current, and his defence of agnosticism in the face of hostility from both sides is quite inspirational. I have picked out two quotes that leap off the page:-"Where is the shame of ignorance in matters still involved in endless and hopeless controversy?"-"When all the witnesses thus contradict each other, the prima facie result is pure scepticism."-Just in case people can't be bothered to read through to the end, let me reproduce his superb summing up:-"...the ancient secret is a secret still; that man knows nothing of the Infinite and Absolute; and that, knowing nothing, he had better not be dogmatic about his ignorance. And, meanwhile, we will endeavour to be as charitable as possible, and whilst you trumpet forth officially your contempt for our scepticism, we will at least try to believe that you are imposed upon by your own bluster."-Exactly who he might have been thinking of I don't know, but "bluster" is a great description of what sometimes passes for reason on both sides of my picket fence.