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Omniscience Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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omniscience

[ɑːmˈnɪʃəns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

knowledge, awareness

Omniscience refers to the state of knowing everything or having unlimited knowledge. This concept is often attributed to a deity or supreme being, who is considered to have complete and infinite knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. In philosophical discussions, omniscience raises questions about free will, determinism, and the nature of knowledge itself. It suggests a level of understanding and insight that transcends human limitations, resulting in omnipresent awareness. The term is frequently found in theological debates and literature, exploring the nature of God's knowledge compared to human understanding.

Synonyms

all-knowingness, infinite knowledge, universal knowledge.

Examples of usage

  • Many religions attribute omniscience to God.
  • The philosopher questioned whether omniscience is actually achievable.
  • The character in the novel believed in an omniscient narrator.
  • Debates about the implications of divine omniscience are common in theology.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, omniscience is often discussed in relation to the divine, suggesting a quality of God or higher powers to know all past, present, and future.
  • Some philosophers debate whether true omniscience can exist, as it implies knowledge of all possible realities.

Religion

  • Many religions describe God as omniscient, meaning God knows every thought and action of every person.
  • In Christianity, omniscience implies God's ability to foresee human choices and events while still allowing free will.

Literature

  • In storytelling, an omniscient narrator can see all the characters' thoughts and feelings, providing a complete view of the story.
  • Classic novels like 'Middlemarch' by George Eliot use an omniscient point of view to explore various characters deeply.

Psychology

  • The desire for omniscience can be linked to a human need for control and certainty in an unpredictable world.
  • Studies suggest that feeling knowledgeable can boost confidence but may also lead to overconfidence and biases in decision-making.

Origin of 'omniscience'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin, where 'omni' means 'all' and 'scientia' means 'knowledge'.
  • It has been in use since the 1600s in English to describe the quality of knowing everything.

The term 'omniscience' comes from the Latin roots 'omnis', meaning 'all', and 'scientia', meaning 'knowledge'. The concept has been part of theological discussions since ancient times, particularly in relation to the attributes of a deity. In medieval philosophy, scholars like St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas explored the implications of God's omniscience, differentiating between God's knowledge of past events and His foreknowledge of future ones. The use of 'omniscience' in English dates back to the late 17th century, reflecting a growing interest in the nature of knowledge and its limitations. As philosophy evolved through the Enlightenment and into modern times, discussions around the concept have expanded to include metaphysical debates about human consciousness and the limits of human understanding in contrast to divine omniscience.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,786, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.