Literary notes about dogmatic (AI summary)
In literary discourse, “dogmatic” is often used to denote an inflexible certainty and an unyielding adherence to doctrine that shuts out alternative viewpoints. Authors apply the term to critique untested or overly rigid systems—whether in reference to intellectual rigor, as in discussions of Kant’s categorization [1] or to condemn the authoritarian tone in teaching and religious rhetoric [2, 3]. It is also invoked to highlight the tension between a forceful, assertive stance and the need for open, exploratory thought, with characters or philosophies portrayed as dogmatic when they seem to insist on incontrovertible truth without welcoming challenge [4, 5]. This multifaceted use exposes the broader struggle between the security of fixed beliefs and the dynamism of critical inquiry.
- [19] Kant, it should be noted, classifies philosophies as either dogmatic (= rationalistic) or sceptical.
— from A Commentary to Kant's 'Critique of Pure Reason' by Norman Kemp Smith - Where, then, is the foundation for the dogmatic claim on the part of the Christian professors for the divine origin of the Trinity doctrine?
— from The World's Sixteen Crucified Saviors; Or, Christianity Before Christ by Kersey Graves - A teacher who is not dogmatic is simply a teacher who is not teaching.
— from What's Wrong with the World by G. K. Chesterton - “There are many lines that could be spared from the book you were reading,” she said, her voice primly firm and dogmatic.
— from Martin Eden by Jack London - "You know, Monsieur, I only see you in classe—stern, dogmatic, hasty, imperious.
— from Villette by Charlotte Brontë
