Niepewność poznawcza jako element liberalnego kwakryzmu
Cognitive Incertitude as an Element of Liberal Quakerism

Summary/Abstract: The paper refers to the critical point made by professor Pink Dandelion from the University of Birmingham that modern liberal Quakerism is governed by the sense of total incertitude that has become the norm of the group (‘the absolute perhaps’) making it less permissive than it pretends to be. If that were the case, the liberal Quakerism would not be in fact liberal but would need to be deemed oppressive. The paper presents the idea of the liberal Quakerism conceived of not as a religion but as collective method of managing individual, spiritual and religious quests. This seems to account for its special dealing with incertitude as a way of keeping the social group together. Insistence on incertitude stems from the willingness not to hurt or dominate other Quaker, individual seekers by declaring any absolute truths. Also having no creed, putting silence in the centre of the religious service (the meeting for worship) as well as welcoming people of all worldviews, Quakerism has become a natural place where incertitude can be one of the main values as it enables Quakers to practice their individual quests more peacefully and safely. The paper shows, however, that by no means is it an absolute incertitude. Sociological research shows that most British Quakers believe in God and want to describe themselves as Christians.

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