Academics Flashcards
DOGMA + ACADEMIC SKEPTIC
The dogmatic thought stands for the claim that knowledge is possible, while the academic skeptics hold that knowledge is impossible, that we cannot know things.
They argue that knowledge requires that we eliminate all doubt.
They did not doubt the existence of truth in itself, only our capacities for obtaining it.
Academics argue for the claim that nothing can be known at all, they argue negatively for the dogmatic claim.
CARTESIAN
ABANDONMENT
AVOIDANCE
Academic skepticism is in line with Descartes move to “I think therefore I am” and is part of the Cartesian skepticism.
Academicism is associated with the abandonment of absolute certainty and definite knowledge.
Academic skeptics emphasized the avoidance of errors over the acquisition of truth.
An academic skeptic challenges the basis for beliefs of all kinds.
The Pyrrhonians point out that the Academic Skeptic maintains confidence in the ability of reason to settle matters
CLOSURE PRINCIPLE
- formula
- assignment
- premise
- where, C + ~SK
(X) (Y) ((X>Y)&Jsx )>Jsy)
where x & y are propositions, s is a subject and J is a relation such that jsx stand for s is justified in believing X.
For all propositions x & y, if x entails y, and s is justified in believing x then s is justified in believing y
CP1) If I am justified in believing that C then I am justified in believing that, ~sk.
CP2) I am not justified on believing that ~sk
C) Therefore I am not justified in believing that C
Where C is “ there is a chair that I am sitting on” and sk is “ I am a world that appears identical to this one, but the chair does not exist”
CP. OBJECTION + RESPONSE
Objection: false propositions entail necessary truths. However simply because you believe some false proposition you are not justified in believing all necessary truths.
Response: limit the scope of closure to contingent truths.