epädogmaattinen

Epädogmaattinen is a Finnish term used to describe a stance or approach that emphasizes rejection of dogmatism. The word combines the negating prefix epä- with dogmaattinen (dogmatic). In common usage, epädogmaattinen denotes attitudes or methods that prioritize inquiry over assertion, tentativeness over certainty, and openness to revision in light of new evidence.

Etymology and usage: The term is a variation of epädogmaattinen; some writers spell it with ä as a stylistic or phonetic variant in Finnish. It appears primarily in academic and public discourse, particularly within philosophy, pedagogy, or science communication, where the emphasis is on avoiding absolute claims.

Principles: Core principles include critical thinking, tolerance for uncertainty, openness to multiple explanations, and a rejection of absolutist or poorly supported assertions. It is not a fixed doctrine but a descriptive label for practices that favor dialogue, evidence, and iterative learning.

In education, epädogmaattinen pedagogy aims to foster student-led inquiry, provisional conclusions, and evaluation of sources. In debate and science communication, it underlines the value of questioning assumptions, acknowledging the limits of knowledge, and avoiding rhetoric that asserts unchallengeable truth.

Relation to other concepts: It aligns with fallibilism, epistemic humility, and open epistemology, while contrasting with dogmatism, absolutism, and epistemic closure.

See also: Epistemology, Skepticism, Critical thinking, Open inquiry, Fallibilism.

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