Question 1

Descartes claims that if he perceives something clearly and distinctly, he can know it with certainty.

Accepted Answer

Descartes' philosophy is based on the principle of clear and distinct perception, which he argues is the foundation for certain knowledge. He believes that if something is perceived clearly and distinctly, it can be known with certainty.

Question 2

Like Hume, Locke also accepts a radical skepticism about the external world.

Accepted Answer

Locke, unlike Hume, did not accept radical skepticism about the external world. Locke believed in the existence of an external world and that humans could have knowledge of it through sensory experience, whereas Hume was more skeptical about what we can know.

Question 3

Descartes thinks that only propositions that are beyond all doubt can be considered knowledge. Do you agree with this? Do we know things that are not beyond all possible doubt? Explain.

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Question 4

Briefly explain cognitive relativism and its different varieties. How would cognitive relativism make knowledge more easily attainable? Do you find cognitive relativism plausible? Why or why not?

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Question 5

What reasons does Locke give for rejecting the notion of innate ideas? According to Locke, what is the difference between primary and secondary qualities?

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Question 6

Briefly explain the difference between rationalism and empiricism. Which view do you find more plausible? Why?

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Question 7

How does Berkeley try to show that all we ever experience is ideas? Critique his argument.

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Question 8

Why is Hume skeptical about metaphysical issues?

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Question 9

Do you think, as Descartes says, we can know some facts about the world without using our senses? Why or why not? Do you think John Locke's theory is more plausible than Descartes's? Explain.

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Question 10

Why can't the principle of induction be justified empirically or a priori? If the principle of induction cannot be proven, does that mean we can't trust the findings of science? Why or why not?

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Question 11

What is Eve Browning Cole's argument against some postmodernist theories of knowing?

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Question 12

What is Kant's constructionist theory of knowledge? Is it plausible that we, in effect, constitute the world? Why or why not?

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Question 13

Locke argues that we know that external objects are real because the theory that they exist is the best explanation for the sensations we have. Is this a plausible argument? Explain.

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Question 14

Following Locke, apply an inference-to-the-best-explanation argument to the notion that we are all now living in the Matrix. According to this argument, is it plausible that we are in the Matrix?

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Quiz 6: Knowledge and Skepticism