Obscurantism: meaning, definitions and examples
๐คซ
obscurantism
[ ษbหskyoอorษnหtizษm ]
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:
๐ต๐น obscurantismo
๐ฎ๐ณ เค เคเคงเคเคพเคฐเคตเคพเคฆ
๐ฉ๐ช Obskurantismus
๐ฎ๐ฉ obskurantisme
๐บ๐ฆ ะพะฑัะบัััะฝัะธะทะผ
๐ต๐ฑ obskurantyzm
๐ฏ๐ต ใชใในใญใฅใฉใณใใฃใบใ
๐ซ๐ท obscurantisme
๐ช๐ธ obscurantismo
๐น๐ท karanlฤฑk dรผลรผnce
๐ฐ๐ท ์ํ์ฃผ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุชุนุชูู
๐จ๐ฟ obskurantismus
๐ธ๐ฐ obskurantizmus
๐จ๐ณ ่ๆงไธปไน
๐ธ๐ฎ obskurantizem
๐ฎ๐ธ myrkur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะพะฑัะบัััะฝัะธะทะผ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแกแแฃแ แแแขแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ obskurantizm
๐ฒ๐ฝ 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 Enlightenmentโa 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.
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- 33279 tidiness
- 33280 anchorite
- 33281 resiliently
- 33282 obscurantism
- 33283 childlessness
- 33284 marbling
- 33285 debarring
- ...