The Problem of Skepticism

Question 1

Name 2 Types of Skepticism

Answer 1

a. Academic Skepticism

b. Pyrrhonian Skepticism

Question 2

What is this argument?

“If everything is just a dream, then how sure are you that you know everything about the immediate environment or yourself.”

Answer 2

The Dreaming Argument

Question 3

Give the 3 Global Skepticism Scenarios

Answer 3

1. Dreaming Argument
2. Evil Genius
3. Brain-in-a-Vat

Question 4

Doubt Remains about common-sense beliefs
● Sure skeptical scenarios are possible
● But don’t let that stop you from doing Science
● But they are still reasonable enough to count as knowledge

What response to Skepticism is this?

Answer 4

The Russellian Way

Question 5

Proof:

1. Here is one hand (and here’s another)
2. Hands are external objects
3. Therefore, external objects are real

What response to Skepticism is this?

Answer 5

The Moorean Way

Question 6

Give the Three Arguments to Skepticism

Answer 6

1. Relativism
2. Subjectivism
3. Perspectivism

Question 7

What do you call the “denial of objectivism; the theory that there are no objective truths?”

Answer 7

Relativism

Question 8

What do you call “the belief that the truth of the statement is based on one’s understanding of reality?”

Answer 8

Subjectivism

Question 9

What is this?

“proposed by Nietzche; asserts that there are infinite number of vantage point; all truths are subject to bias.”

Answer 9

Perspectivism

Question 10

What are the arguments against Skepticism?

Answer 10

● Doubting is beyond doubt
● Thinking necessitates a thinker
● Deception requires a deceiver and a deceived fellow

THEREFORE, there is an absolute truth.

Question 11

Why is the Cartesian Cogito problematic?

Answer 11

1. Existence becomes a function of thinking
2. Solipsism is inescapable → it does not prove a number of thinkers who exist
3. Existence is fleeting without fixed rules
4. The Cogito becomes a set-up for the God argument