Epistemolgy, Scepticism

Question 1

What is the difference between philosophical scepticism and normal incredulity ?

Answer 1

Normal incredulity - sensitive to evidence. We doubt a claim when we think it could well be false.

Philosophical scepticism- theoretical and purpose is to test the strength of our knowledge claims.

Question 2

What is the distinction between local and global scepticism ?

Answer 2

Local - knowledge is impossible in some possible area.

Global - doubting all of our knowledge

Question 3

What is descartes 1st wave of doubt ?

Answer 3

Doubting the senses

Question 4

What is descartes second wave of doubt ?

Answer 4

The dreaming argument

Question 5

What is descartes 3rd wave of doubt ?

Answer 5

The evil demon argument

Question 6

What is Lockes response to scepticism ?

Answer 6

Scepticism about the external world may be possible at a theoretical level but not a practical level.

Question 7

What is Russell’s response to scepticism ?

Answer 7

We cannot demonstrate prove existence of the the external world.
But we cannot disprove its existence either.
Therefore existence of the external world is the best hypothesis.

Question 8

What is Berkeley’s response to scepticism ?

Answer 8

Most scepticism thrives between the gap between our perception and reality.

In Berkeley’s idealist view of perception, there is no gap between perception and the object. There is not mind independent reality. To be is to be perceived.