What does the word 'agnostic' mean?

[Phil]

Hi all,

I discovered this page while searching for an answer...

I am constantly confronted with the use of the word "agnostic" in lieu of "independent", i.e. "manufacturer agnostic features". Is this valid? Although I am a native speaker, I have never thought of using the word in this way... For me, agnostic is purely a religious term.

What do you think??

BR
Phil

[Alan]

Hi Phil,

The meaning of denying the existence of God for agnostic also comes to my mind first but then it's not unusual for the broader and after all original meaning to be used as well with the idea of accepting just one point of view. I don't think it's all that strange for someone to say: I am an agnostic when it comes to the value of private education.

You ask whether

[Phil]

Hi Alan,

thanks, you've answered my question with the reference to education... I kinda cringe when I hear the word used in any other context than religion, so thought I could ask someone else if this is justified.

Thanks again

Phil

[Yankee]

Hi Phil

That sounds like business jargon that most likely originated in the tech indusdry. "Platform-agnostic" means it runs on any platform (type of system). I assume "vendor-agnostic" is the same as your "manufacturer agnostic". For example, it works with any kind of software, not just Microsoft software.

Buzzwords in business are loads of fun, aren't they?

Amy

[Phil]

Hi Amy,

yea, the buzzwords make for loads of laughs For me it was clear what was meant, but I still wonder why the word independent isn't used... Whatever! Gotta go with the flow, don't we??
Thanks for your comment. It's always good to get feedback when a question is asked. I'd say this is the first forum where I've gotten such a quick response.

Thanks again, all!

BR
Phil