The closest fit, as far as a label goes, for someone who believes in nothing but thinks everything might be true is a radical skeptic or an extreme epistemological skeptic.
Extreme epistemological skepticism is a radical philosophical position that questions whether any knowledge is truly possible. Unlike everyday skepticism, which doubts specific claims or requires strong evidence for unusual ideas, extreme epistemological skeptics doubt the very possibility of knowing anything with certainty—even the most basic facts about the world or ourselves[1][5][6].
Core Beliefs of an Extreme Epistemological Skeptic
– No Certain Knowledge: They hold that all beliefs, no matter how plausible or well-supported, can be doubted. This includes common-sense knowledge like “I have two hands” or “the sun will rise tomorrow.” Because absolute certainty is unattainable, they argue that knowledge, as traditionally defined, does not exist[1][5].
– Suspension of Judgment: Instead of affirming or denying claims, they advocate for suspending judgment—neither believing nor disbelieving any proposition. This open-minded stance avoids error but also means no firm conclusions are drawn[1].
– Doubt of Senses and Reason: They question the reliability of sensory experience, memory, and reasoning processes, pointing out that these can be deceptive or flawed. For example, dreams or illusions may feel as real as waking life, so how can we be sure what is true?[5][6].
– Radical Relativism and Uncertainty: Because all knowledge claims are uncertain, reality itself might be unknowable or even illusory. This leads to the view that truth is relative or that we can only hold probable opinions rather than knowledge[1][5].
– Mental Peace Through Skepticism: Some extreme skeptics adopt this stance as a way of life, believing that suspending judgment helps avoid distress caused by dogmatic beliefs and conflicting opinions[1].
Why Extreme Epistemological Skepticism Matters
– Philosophical Challenge: It pushes the limits of what we consider knowledge and forces philosophers to clarify the criteria for justified belief and certainty.
– Scientific Inquiry: Radical skepticism raises the bar for evidence and proof, encouraging more rigorous methods and critical thinking.
– Practical Limits: While intellectually stimulating, this skepticism is rarely adopted wholesale in everyday life because it undermines action and decision-making.
Common Objections
– Self-Refutation: Critics argue extreme skepticism is self-defeating because claiming “we cannot know anything” is itself a knowledge claim.
– Impracticality: Living without any beliefs or knowledge is nearly impossible and conflicts with how humans function socially and biologically.
Summary
An extreme epistemological skeptic believes that nothing can be known for certain, yet everything might be true or false. They reject all claims to knowledge, suspend judgment on all matters, and question the reliability of senses and reasoning. This position embodies radical doubt and challenges the foundations of human understanding, while also serving as a tool to refine how we seek truth.
References:
[1] Wikipedia, Philosophical skepticism
[5] EBSCO Research Starters, Radical skepticism
[6] Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Contemporary Skepticism
Read More
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophical_skepticism
[2] https://www.britannica.com/topic/skepticism
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epistemology
[4] https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/skepticism/
[5] https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/religion-and-philosophy/radical-skepticism
[6] https://iep.utm.edu/skepcont/
[7] https://research.vu.nl/files/290199832/257Ranalli_Recent_Work_on_Skepticism_in_Epistemology.pdf
[8] https://homework.study.com/explanation/what-is-epistemological-skepticism.html