Based on the analysis of specific forms in which skepticism spoke in various eras, it turns out the role that it played in the material and spiritual life of society. Attracting extensive historical and philosophical material, the author refutes the view widespread among Western historians of philosophy, attributing to almost all skeptical teachings an anti-intellectual, fideistic character, and shows the anti-ideological orientation of the most influential skeptical concepts and their progressive role in the development of philosophical thought.