Hi my SASSy-seekers,
Here I am trying to build an overview of the words we regulary use and their mening. To ensure that when we talk, we all are talking about the same thing. This is a list that is growing organically. Definitations might expand and adapt as my personal knowledge does.
To formulate this list I have used multiple online dictionaries, Wikipedia many of my personal notes taken while reading/listening/watching all kinds of resources and in some cases have even asked AI to reformulate my scrambled notes in to a coherent definition.
Agnosticism
Agnosticism is the philosophical or intellectual position that holds that the existence of a higher power or ultimate reality, such as a god or gods, is unknown or unknowable. Agnostics typically assert that there is insufficient evidence to either prove or disprove the existence of such entities, and therefore they withhold judgment on the matter. Agnosticism is often characterized by skepticism towards claims about the supernatural and a preference for relying on empirical evidence and reason. It's important to note that agnosticism is not necessarily incompatible with religious belief or atheism; rather, it is a stance regarding knowledge and certainty about the existence of deities.
It is the view or belief that the existence of God, of the divine or the supernatural is unknown or unknowable. Another definition provided is the view that "human reason is incapable of providing sufficient rational grounds to justify either the belief that God exists or the belief that God does not exist.
“[The agnostic] principle may be stated in various ways, but they all amount to this: that it is wrong for a man to say that he is certain of the objective truth of any proposition unless he can produce evidence which logically justifies that certainty. This is what Agnosticism asserts; and, in my opinion, it is all that is essential to Agnosticism.”
The term "gnosis" originates from ancient Greek and generally refers to knowledge, particularly spiritual or mystical knowledge that leads to enlightenment or salvation. In the context of various religious and philosophical traditions, including Gnosticism, gnosis is often understood as a form of intuitive or experiential knowledge that transcends mere intellectual understanding.
Key aspects of gnosis include:
1. Direct Experience: Gnosis is typically characterized by direct, personal experiences of the divine or transcendent. It involves a profound sense of insight, revelation, or enlightenment that goes beyond ordinary perception.
2. Inner Wisdom: Gnosis is often associated with inner wisdom or intuitive understanding that arises from spiritual practice, meditation, or mystical experiences. It is seen as a deeper form of knowledge that cannot be fully conveyed through language or rational thought alone.
3. Liberation: In many spiritual traditions, gnosis is believed to lead to liberation or salvation from ignorance, suffering, or the cycle of reincarnation. It is seen as a transformative process that brings about spiritual awakening and liberation from worldly attachments.
4. Secret Knowledge: In some contexts, gnosis is portrayed as secret or hidden knowledge that is revealed only to select individuals or spiritual initiates. This knowledge is often believed to provide insight into the nature of reality, the divine, and the human soul.
5. Esotericism: Gnosis is often associated with esoteric or mystical traditions that emphasize the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and enlightenment through inner exploration and mystical experience.
In chaos magic, gnosis or the gnostic state refers to an altered state of consciousness in which a person's mind is focused on only one point, thought, or goal and all other thoughts are thrust out. The gnostic state is used to bypass the "filter" of the conscious mind – something thought to be necessary for working most forms of magic.
Science
Science is a systematic and evidence-based approach to understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and analysis. It seeks to explain phenomena and make predictions about future events using empirical evidence and logical reasoning. Science encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, and many others.
Key characteristics of science include:
1. Empirical Observation: Scientific investigations rely on observation of natural phenomena and the collection of empirical data through experiments or observations.
2. Testability and Falsifiability: Scientific hypotheses and theories must be testable, meaning they can be verified or disproven through experimentation or observation. They are also expected to be falsifiable, meaning there must be a way to demonstrate that they are incorrect.
3. Reproducibility: Scientific findings should be replicable by independent researchers under similar conditions. Reproducibility helps validate scientific claims and ensures the reliability of results.
4. Use of the Scientific Method: Scientists typically follow a structured process known as the scientific method, which involves formulating hypotheses, designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions. This iterative process allows for the refinement and advancement of scientific knowledge.
5. Peer Review: Scientific research is subject to peer review, where experts in the relevant field evaluate the quality, validity, and significance of research findings before they are published in scientific journals. Peer review helps maintain the integrity and credibility of scientific knowledge.
Skepticism
Skepticism is an approach to understanding the world that emphasizes critical thinking, questioning, and doubt regarding knowledge, beliefs, and claims. Skeptics typically withhold acceptance of propositions until sufficient evidence or reasoning is provided to support them. Skepticism can manifest in various domains, including science, philosophy, and everyday life. In scientific inquiry, skepticism encourages scrutiny of hypotheses and theories through empirical observation and experimentation. In philosophy, skepticism often involves questioning the reliability of sensory perception, language, and reasoning as tools for acquiring knowledge. Overall, skepticism promotes intellectual humility and encourages individuals to challenge assumptions, biases, and dogma in their pursuit of truth and understanding.
At its core, skepticism is a way of thinking that encourages individuals to question conventional wisdom, norms, and popular beliefs. It prompts us to examine ideas critically, seeking evidence and logical reasoning to support or refute claims. Rather than accepting information at face value, skeptics adopt an investigative approach, aiming to uncover truths through rigorous scrutiny.
An attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object. The doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain. The method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism characteristic of skeptics.