Epäilys

Epäilys is a Finnish noun meaning the state or quality of doubt or uncertainty about something's truth, reliability, or value. It is derived from the verb epäillä, to doubt, with the prefix epä- indicating negation or uncertainty and the suffix -ys forming a noun that denotes a state or condition. The term can express hesitation about a claim, suspicion about motives, or general uncertainty in a situation.

In philosophy, epistemology treats doubt as a fundamental tool for testing beliefs and claims. Scientific practice relies on doubt to challenge hypotheses and demand evidence, while in everyday life epäilys can influence decision-making, risk assessment, and trust. Psychologically, doubt reflects cognitive processes and emotional states; it can motivate careful reasoning or, if excessive, contribute to indecision or anxiety.

In Finnish discourse, epäilys appears in literature, politics, and media to describe skepticism or cautious assessment of information. Related concepts include epäily (suspicion or doubt) and skepticism, and discussions of doubt often distinguish between warranted doubt based on evidence and unwarranted doubt that undermines reasonable judgment.