Term
Philosophical Scepticism
What is philosophical scepticism?
Answer
Definition
It is systematic doubt about the possibility or extent of human knowledge, examined at a philosophical level.
In his Meditations, Descartes introduced three waves of doubt that push toward radical scepticism—casting doubt on almost all knowledge.
These notes cover the key content for the AQA Philosophy A-level epistemology topics on knowledge, perception, reason, and scepticism, explaining relevant philosophical views, arguments, and responses clearly and with detailed examples.
What is philosophical scepticism?
It is systematic doubt about the possibility or extent of human knowledge, examined at a philosophical level.
How does philosophical scepticism differ from everyday scepticism?
Everyday scepticism doubts specific claims due to lack of evidence, while philosophical scepticism questions whether knowledge is possible at all.
What is local scepticism?
Doubt about knowledge in a specific domain, such as moral knowledge or knowledge of the external world.
What is global scepticism?
Doubt about all knowledge claims, suggesting that knowledge may be impossible in principle.
What are Descartes’ three waves of doubt?
Doubt about the senses, the dream argument, and the evil demon hypothesis.
What certainty did Descartes find in response to scepticism?
The certainty of the cogito: "I think, therefore I am."
How did empiricists respond to scepticism?
Locke accepted probable knowledge based on experience; Berkeley denied material substance and posited God’s role in perception; Russell accepted fallibility but defended basic perceptual beliefs.
What is reliabilism’s approach to scepticism?
It focuses on the reliability of cognitive faculties rather than certainty, defending knowledge if belief-forming processes are generally reliable.