Skepticism
Etymology
From Greek "skeptikos" (inquiring, thoughtful), from "skeptesthai" (to look, examine, consider); the ancient Skeptics were a philosophical school. The root means to examine, not to deny — a useful corrective, since skepticism is inquiry suspended, not disbelief asserted.
noun · /SKEP-tih-siz-um/
The habit of withholding belief until a claim has been examined and supported.
What it names
Productive doubt — the stance that asks "how do you know?" rather than assuming either yes or no.
Example
Healthy skepticism about the headline made her read the actual study.
Related idea
It splits sharply from cynicism: the skeptic suspends judgment and can be convinced by evidence; the cynic has already concluded that motives are bad and stops looking. Skepticism is a door left open; cynicism is one shut.