Economics Dictionary of ArgumentsHome | |||
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Skepticism: is an expression for the more or less well-formulated view that perceptual subjects cannot in principle have any security with regard to their knowledge about the external world. The doubts about the reliability of the sensory organs can be extended to doubts about the existence of an external world, if the possibility of a fundamental deception, for example by a permanent dream, is accepted. See also verification, evidence, perception, certainty, Moore's hands, solipsism._____________Annotation: The above characterizations of concepts are neither definitions nor exhausting presentations of problems related to them. Instead, they are intended to give a short introduction to the contributions below. – Lexicon of Arguments. | |||
Author | Concept | Summary/Quotes | Sources |
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R. Descartes on Skepticism - Dictionary of Arguments
Stroud I 4 Descartes/Skepticism/Knowledge/Stroud: Descartes wants to establish principles, a general method for the investigation of our knowledge. >Principles, >Knowledge. 1) Meditation: in the end, Descartes finds that there is no reason to believe anything about the world around him. Stroud I 16 Senses/Knowledge/Descartes: E.g. if he knows that he is sitting at the fireplace, he thinks that he knows it due to his senses. >Perception, >Sensory impressions. But he also knows that it is compatible with the fact that he is only dreaming. VsDescartes: If we allow a dreaming person to know something (e.g. mathematics, mathematical truths), does this not show that Descartes is wrong with his skepticism? VsVs: This is not shown with that. Stroud I 37 Descartes/Stroud: From the beginning, his skepticism was directed against everyday knowledge. >Certainty._____________Explanation of symbols: Roman numerals indicate the source, arabic numerals indicate the page number. The corresponding books are indicated on the right hand side. ((s)…): Comment by the sender of the contribution. Translations: Dictionary of Arguments The note [Concept/Author], [Author1]Vs[Author2] or [Author]Vs[term] resp. "problem:"/"solution:", "old:"/"new:" and "thesis:" is an addition from the Dictionary of Arguments. If a German edition is specified, the page numbers refer to this edition. |
Stroud I B. Stroud The Significance of philosophical scepticism Oxford 1984 |