Contemporary Philosophy 20th Century Onward Questions
In contemporary philosophical discourse, skepticism refers to the philosophical position that doubts or questions the possibility of knowledge, certainty, or the reliability of our beliefs. Skepticism challenges the idea that we can have justified beliefs or knowledge about the external world, other minds, or even our own experiences.
One prominent form of skepticism is epistemological skepticism, which questions our ability to have knowledge or justified beliefs. This skepticism argues that our senses can be deceiving, our reasoning can be flawed, and that we cannot be certain about the truth of our beliefs. Epistemological skeptics often raise skeptical arguments, such as the problem of induction or the argument from illusion, to challenge the foundations of our knowledge.
Another form of skepticism is moral skepticism, which questions the possibility of objective moral truths or the existence of moral knowledge. Moral skeptics argue that moral judgments are subjective and vary across cultures, individuals, or historical periods. They challenge the idea that there are universal moral principles or objective moral facts.
Skepticism in contemporary philosophy is not necessarily a denial of knowledge or truth but rather a critical examination of our beliefs and the limitations of our understanding. It encourages philosophers to question assumptions, challenge dogmas, and engage in rigorous inquiry. Skepticism serves as a valuable tool for philosophers to explore the nature of knowledge, the boundaries of human understanding, and the foundations of various philosophical disciplines.