doubt

Doubt is a psychological state characterized by uncertainty about the truth, validity, or sufficiency of a belief, claim, or action. It may involve hesitation, questions, or a sense of ambiguity and can affect judgment, decision making, and behavior. Doubt is not the same as disbelief or denial; it is an internal condition that can motivate further inquiry or, if persistent, impede action.

Doubt can be categorized by domain: epistemic doubt concerns knowledge and evidence; practical doubt concerns whether to undertake a particular action; moral doubt concerns ethical judgments; existential doubt concerns meaning, purpose, or identity. The intensity and duration of doubt vary across individuals and situations.

Causes and consequences: doubt arises from conflicting information, unreliable memory, cognitive biases, uncertainty about sources, or new data that contradicts prior beliefs. It can be adaptive, prompting re-evaluation and learning, or maladaptive, contributing to indecision or anxiety. In everyday life, doubt often accompanies new choices and uncertainties.

Philosophy and science: In philosophy, the method of doubt, associated with René Descartes, uses skepticism about uncertain beliefs to establish a secure foundation for knowledge. In science, doubt manifests as critical doubt or rigorous doubt about claims until sufficient evidence is obtained; it supports verification, replication, and falsifiability.

Social and cultural dimensions: Doubt can shape religious belief, moral norms, and personal relationships. It is a central theme in literature and art, where characters confront uncertainty and the limits of knowledge.