Scepticism
The Nature of Scepticism
Scepticism
Scepticism is a philosophical approach that questions the possibility of certain knowledge. It challenges our assumptions about what we can know and how we can know it.
- Epistemological Scepticism: Focuses on the nature and limits of knowledge.
- Global Scepticism: Doubts the possibility of knowing anything at all.
- Local Scepticism: Questions specific areas of knowledge, such as ethics or the external world.
Scepticism is not about denying knowledge but about questioning the grounds on which knowledge claims are made.
The Role of Certainty in Knowledge
- Certainty: The state of being free from doubt.
- Knowledge: Traditionally defined as justified true belief.
Key Question: Does knowledge require certainty, or can we know things even if there is a possibility of doubt?
When exploring scepticism, consider how it challenges the foundations of knowledge rather than specific beliefs.
Realism, Scepticism, and Arguments from Illusion
Realism
Realism
Realism is the belief that the world exists independently of our perceptions or beliefs.
- Direct Realism: We perceive the world directly as it is.
- Indirect Realism: We perceive the world indirectly through mental representations.
Realism assumes that our perceptions generally correspond to reality, but scepticism challenges this assumption.
Arguments from Illusion
Arguments from illusion
Arguments from illusion highlight how our senses can deceive us, casting doubt on the reliability of perception.
- Illusions: Misleading perceptions, such as a stick appearing bent in water.
- Hallucinations: Perceptions without a corresponding external object.
Key Insight: If our senses can deceive us in some cases, how can we trust them at all?
- Consider a mirage in the desert. It appears as water but is merely a trick of light.
- This raises the question: If our senses can be fooled, can we ever be certain of what we perceive?
Can We Know Anything at All?
Global Scepticism
Global scepticism argues that all knowledge is uncertain or impossible.
- Descartes' Method of Doubt: René Descartes famously doubted everything that could be doubted, including the existence of the external world and even his own body.
- The Evil Demon Hypothesis: Descartes imagined a powerful deceiver manipulating his perceptions, leading him to question the certainty of all knowledge.
Descartes ultimately concluded that the act of doubting itself proved his existence: "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am").
Responses to Scepticism
- Foundationalism: Seeks to establish indubitable foundations for knowledge, as Descartes attempted with the cogito.
- Fallibilism: Argues that knowledge does not require certainty, only reasonable justification.
- Contextualism: Suggests that the standards for knowledge vary depending on the context.
When evaluating sceptical arguments, consider both their strengths (e.g., highlighting assumptions) and limitations (e.g., practical implications).
The Significance of Scepticism
- Philosophical Inquiry: Scepticism drives deeper exploration of epistemological questions.
- Practical Implications: While radical scepticism may seem impractical, it encourages critical thinking and humility in our knowledge claims.
Reflect on a time when you questioned something you believed to be true. How did this scepticism affect your understanding of the situation?
