Skepticism Flashcards
What is Local Skepticism?
The view that we cannot have knowledge in some particular area.
What is Global Skepticism?
The view that we cannot know anything at all.
What is the problem of the Criterion?
The problem of the criterion is the problem that appears to come up when we assert knowledge. For example: suppose you know that P. You must have a criterion of truth that gives to you a reason for believing p. To know that this criterion is accurate you must have a meta-criterion to analyze your criterion. Cue infinite regress. Or perhaps you justify your criterion based on the beliefs it picks out. This is circular reasoning.
What is Fallibilism?
The view that you can have knowledge even if your evidence/belief’s history do not guarantee that your belief is true.
What is the brain in a vat scenario?
You could be a brain in a vat of nutrient-filled fluid.
The entire world you think you are experiencing would be an illusion created by stimulating your sensory neurons. Analysis of motor neurons allows the computer to determine what actions you are trying to perform, and it updates the simulation accordingly.
What is foundationalism?
The assertion that some beliefs are foundational, and require no support from other beliefs. This stops the infinite regress.
What is coherentism?
The assertion that one can justify the criterion on which they choose their beliefs on the basis of the beliefs that they choose. A system of belief that forms a coherent web is what is aimed for. This is circular but coherentists deny that this circularity is bad.
