Question 1

Can we be certain that the way the world appears corresponds to the way it really is? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The question of whether the way the world appears corresponds to the way it really is raises fundamental philosophical and epistemological concerns. It delves into the nature of perception, reality, and the limitations of human understanding.

On one hand, it can be argued that we cannot be certain that the way the world appears corresponds to the way it really is. Our perception of the world is mediated through our senses, which can be fallible and subject to various biases. Additionally, our cognitive processes and mental frameworks can shape and distort our understanding of reality. This suggests that our perception of the world may not always accurately reflect the true nature of reality.

On the other hand, some may argue that through scientific inquiry and critical thinking, we can gain a more accurate understanding of the world. The scientific method allows us to systematically investigate and test our perceptions, leading to a more reliable understanding of reality. However, even scientific knowledge is always provisional and subject to revision based on new evidence and discoveries.

Ultimately, the question of whether the way the world appears corresponds to the way it really is may not have a definitive answer. It is a complex and multifaceted issue that touches on the nature of perception, cognition, and the nature of reality itself. While we may strive to gain a more accurate understanding of the world, absolute certainty may always remain elusive.

Question 2

Does knowledge require certainty? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

Knowledge does not necessarily require certainty. While certainty can provide a strong foundation for knowledge, it is not always possible or practical to have complete certainty about a given topic. In many cases, knowledge is based on evidence, reasoning, and experience rather than absolute certainty.

In fact, the pursuit of certainty can sometimes hinder the acquisition of knowledge. If we only accept information that is completely certain, we may miss out on valuable insights and understanding. Instead, knowledge often involves a degree of probability and uncertainty, and it is important to be open to new information and perspectives.

Furthermore, the nature of knowledge is such that it is constantly evolving and subject to revision. New evidence and discoveries can challenge previously held beliefs, and our understanding of the world is always growing and changing. This means that knowledge is often provisional and subject to change, rather than being fixed and certain.

In conclusion, while certainty can be beneficial for knowledge, it is not a strict requirement. Knowledge can be based on evidence, reasoning, and experience, and it is often characterized by a degree of uncertainty. Being open to new information and willing to revise our understanding is essential for the pursuit of knowledge.

Question 3

How does Descartes try to close the gap between appearance and reality? Is he successful? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

Descartes attempts to close the gap between appearance and reality by employing his method of doubt and skepticism. He begins by doubting everything he has previously believed to be true, including the existence of the external world and the reliability of his senses. Through this process of doubt, Descartes seeks to find a foundation of knowledge that is indubitable and certain.

He ultimately arrives at the conclusion "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), which serves as the starting point for his system of knowledge. From this foundational truth, Descartes attempts to build a system of knowledge based on clear and distinct ideas that are beyond doubt.

However, while Descartes' method of doubt and his emphasis on clear and distinct ideas may seem to bridge the gap between appearance and reality, there are criticisms of his approach. Some argue that Descartes' reliance on the mind as the foundation of knowledge neglects the role of the external world and the senses in shaping our understanding of reality. Additionally, Descartes' system has been criticized for its reliance on rationalism and its dismissal of empirical evidence.

In conclusion, while Descartes makes a valiant effort to close the gap between appearance and reality through his method of doubt and emphasis on clear and distinct ideas, there are valid criticisms of his approach. Whether or not he is successful in bridging this gap ultimately depends on one's perspective and interpretation of his philosophical system.

Question 4

What is the Cartesian circle? Is there a way out? What is it?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the Cartesian circle? Is there...

Question 5

How does Berkeley try to close the gap between appearance and reality? Is he successful? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How does Berkeley try to close the...

Question 6

How would Berkeley deal with this question: If a tree fell in a forest an no one was around to hear it, would it make a sound?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How would Berkeley deal with this question:...

Question 7

Is it inconceivable for something to exist unconceived? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is it inconceivable for something to exist...

Question 8

What is the traditional analysis of knowledge? Why has it come to be viewed as inadequate?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the traditional analysis of knowledge?...

Question 9

Is having undefeated justified TRUE belief enough to have knowledge? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is having undefeated justified TRUE belief enough...

Question 10

Is having suitably caused TRUE belief enough to have knowledge? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is having suitably caused TRUE belief enough...

Question 11

Is having reliably produced TRUE belief enough for having knowledge? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is having reliably produced TRUE belief enough...

Question 12

Is having TRUE belief that tracks the truth enough to have knowledge? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is having TRUE belief that tracks the...

Question 13

Is having justified TRUE belief that provides the best explanation for the justifying evidence enough to have knowledge? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is having justified TRUE belief that provides...

Question 14

Berkeley's famous dictum is
A) I think, therefore I am.
B) The unexamined life is not worth living.
C) Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
D) To be is to be perceived.

Accepted Answer

Berkeley's famous dictum is "To be is to be perceived," which encapsulates his idealist philosophy that objects only exist to the extent that they are perceived.

Question 15

Berkeley's Inconceivability of the Unconceived thought experiment attempts to show that
A) the notion of a material object is self-contradictory.
B) primary qualities are independent of secondary qualities.
C) our sensations are caused by material objects.
D) objects exists independently of perception.

Accepted Answer

Berkeley's Inconceivability of the Unconceived thought experiment argues against the notion of material objects existing independently of perception, essentially stating that it is self-contradictory to conceive of an object existing without being perceived.

Question 16

The view that there is only one correct way of representing the world is called
A) absolutism.
B) relativism.
C) subjectivism.
D) minimalism.

Accepted Answer

Absolutism is the philosophical view that certain things, such as moral truths, are absolute and universal, implying there is only one correct way of representing or understanding the world.

Question 17

Zeno's Paradox of Bisection thought experiment is intended to show that
A) sense experience shows that motion and change exist.
B) logic shows that motion must exist.
C) motion involves a logical contradiction and therefore cannot exist.
D) the way the world seems is an accurate reflection of how it is.

Accepted Answer

Zeno's Paradox of Bisection argues that motion involves dividing any distance into an infinite number of intervals, which logically should take an infinite amount of time to traverse, suggesting a contradiction with the existence of motion.

Question 18

Descartes' Dream Argument thought experiment is intended to show that
A) sense experience is a reliable source of knowledge.
B) we all exist in a dream world.
C) we can acquire knowledge through our senses.
D) we can't acquire knowledge through our senses.

Accepted Answer

Descartes' Dream Argument suggests that because we cannot distinguish with certainty between being awake and dreaming, we cannot fully trust our senses to acquire knowledge about the external world.

Question 19

Descartes' Evil Genius thought experiment is intended to show that
A) because we can't be certain that we're not in the grip of an evil genius, we can't acquire knowledge through the senses.
B) sometimes we can acquire knowledge through the senses.
C) an evil genius exists and is constantly deceiving us.
D) because we can often be certain that we're not in the grip of an evil genius, we can acquire knowledge through the senses.

Accepted Answer

Descartes' Evil Genius thought experiment is designed to challenge the reliability of our senses by suggesting that an all-powerful deceiver could manipulate our perceptions, leading to the conclusion that sensory knowledge cannot be trusted absolutely.

Question 20

Unger's Mad Scientist thought experiment is intended to show that
A) a mad scientist that controls our minds right now cannot possibly exist.
B) because you can't be sure you're not at the mercy of a mad scientist right now, sense experience can't be a source of knowledge.
C) when we're sure no mad scientist exists, we can have knowledge through sense experience.
D) sense experience can be a source of knowledge.

Accepted Answer

Unger's Mad Scientist thought experiment suggests that because we cannot be certain we are not being deceived by a mad scientist controlling our experiences, we cannot rely solely on sense experience as a source of knowledge. This challenges the reliability of sense experience in acquiring knowledge.

Quiz 7: The Problem of Skepticism and Knowledge

Can we be certain that the way the world appears corresponds to the way it really is? Why or why not?

Does knowledge require certainty? Why or why not?

How does Descartes try to close the gap between appearance and reality? Is he successful? Why or why not?

What is the Cartesian circle? Is there a way out? What is it?

How does Berkeley try to close the gap between appearance and reality? Is he successful? Why or why not?

How would Berkeley deal with this question: If a tree fell in a forest an no one was around to hear it, would it make a sound?

Is it inconceivable for something to exist unconceived? Why or why not?

What is the traditional analysis of knowledge? Why has it come to be viewed as inadequate?

Is having undefeated justified TRUE belief enough to have knowledge? Why or why not?

Is having suitably caused TRUE belief enough to have knowledge? Why or why not?

Is having reliably produced TRUE belief enough for having knowledge? Why or why not?

Is having TRUE belief that tracks the truth enough to have knowledge? Why or why not?

Is having justified TRUE belief that provides the best explanation for the justifying evidence enough to have knowledge? Why or why not?

Berkeley's famous dictum is

Berkeley's Inconceivability of the Unconceived thought experiment attempts to show that

The view that there is only one correct way of representing the world is called

Zeno's Paradox of Bisection thought experiment is intended to show that

Descartes' Dream Argument thought experiment is intended to show that

Descartes' Evil Genius thought experiment is intended to show that

Unger's Mad Scientist thought experiment is intended to show that