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All 8 Flashcards — Scepticism
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Question
Scepticism?
Answer
The view that we know far less than we think — maybe nothing for certain; it questions whether real knowledge is possible.
Question
Descartes' method of doubt?
Answer
Throw out every belief that could possibly be false, to find a rock-solid foundation nothing can shake.
Question
The dream argument?
Answer
You can't prove you're not dreaming right now, so your senses can't give you certainty about the world.
Question
The evil demon?
Answer
An all-powerful deceiver who could fake even maths — so everything, not just the senses, can be doubted.
Question
'I think, therefore I am'?
Answer
Even total doubt needs a thinker to be deceived; if you're thinking, you exist — the one belief no demon can fake away.
Question
The gap Descartes leaves (Go further)?
Answer
He proves he exists as a thinker, but getting back out to a real world and reliable senses is the hard, unfinished part.
Question
Does knowledge require certainty?
Answer
Maybe not — many say knowledge is strong justified belief, not a 100% guarantee, or almost nothing would count as known.
Question
Two ways to answer the sceptic?
Answer
Meet the bar (find one certain thing and rebuild — Descartes) or lower the bar (knowledge = strong reasons, not certainty).
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Full study notes for Scepticism
Topic 3.2 hub
Problems of knowledge
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