Obscurantism: meaning, definitions and examples

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obscurantism

 

[ ษ™bหˆskyoอorษ™nหŒtizษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

philosophy, history

Obscurantism refers to a practice aimed at preventing facts or full details from becoming known, often associated with withholding knowledge or keeping information obscure. It has been used in various contexts, including politics and religion, where authorities may restrict access to information to maintain control. This term is often critically applied to describe individuals or institutions that resist enlightenment and promote ignorance over education. Historically, obscurantism has been a point of contention in debates about free speech, censorship, and the role of education in society.

Synonyms

censorship, concealment, ignorance, obscurity.

Examples of usage

  • Many accused the regime of obscurantism to justify their censorship policies.
  • The obscurantism of the past has been challenged by the rise of information technology.
  • Critics argue that obscurantism undermines progress and enlightenment.
  • In academia, some scholars advocate against obscurantism to promote transparency.

Translations

Translations of the word "obscurantism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น obscurantismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค…เค‚เคงเค•เคพเคฐเคตเคพเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Obskurantismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ obskurantisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะฑัะบัƒั€ัะฝั‚ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ obskurantyzm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ชใƒ–ใ‚นใ‚ญใƒฅใƒฉใƒณใƒ†ใ‚ฃใ‚บใƒ 

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท obscurantisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ obscurantismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท karanlฤฑk dรผลŸรผnce

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์•”ํ‘์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุชุนุชูŠู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ obskurantismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ obskurantizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่’™ๆ˜งไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ obskurantizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ myrkur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะพะฑัะบัƒั€ัะฝั‚ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ‘แƒกแƒ™แƒฃแƒ แƒแƒœแƒขแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ obskurantizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ obscurantismo

Etymology

The term 'obscurantism' has its roots in the Latin word 'obscurare,' which means 'to darken' or 'to conceal.' The word began to be used in English in the late 19th century, particularly in discussions surrounding the opposition to the Enlightenmentโ€”a period that championed reason, scientific understanding, and the dissemination of knowledge. Obscurantism is often linked to organizations or individuals that deliberately restrict access to knowledge, either for ideological, religious, or political motives. Historically, it has been accused of stifling intellectual freedom and promoting dogma. The practice of obscurantism is evident in various historical contexts, including the Church during the Middle Ages, which controlled access to scientific and philosophical knowledge, and more modern instances where governments limit press freedom and public information. The word has gained a negative connotation, often used to criticize those who resist progress or enlightenment in favor of ignorance.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,282 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.