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Epistemology And The Regress Problem: A Comprehensive Exploration

Darren Nelson

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Published in Epistemology And The Regress Problem (Routledge Studies In Contemporary Philosophy 25)

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Epistemology and the Regress Problem (Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy 25)

Epistemology and the Regress Problem (Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy Book 25)

by Mabel Katz

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	891 KB
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Print length	:	220 pages

: Unveiling the Labyrinth of Epistemic Justification

Epistemology, the philosophical inquiry into the nature of knowledge, confronts a fundamental challenge known as the regress problem. This enigmatic issue arises when examining the justification of our knowledge claims. If every belief requires another belief to justify it, an infinite chain of justifications ensues, leading to the unsettling possibility that our knowledge lacks a solid foundation.

Navigating the Labyrinth: Types of Regress Arguments

Scholars have meticulously categorized various forms of regress arguments, each posing distinct threats to the epistemic edifice:

Infinite Regress:

This classic regress unfolds when justifying a belief requires an infinite number of additional beliefs, creating an interminable chain of justifications.

Circular Regress:

Here, the justification of a belief ultimately relies on itself, forming a self-referential loop that undermines its validity.

Infinite Ascent:

This regress arises when the justification of a belief necessitates a higher-Free Download belief that cannot be justified within the same epistemic framework.

Confronting the Skeptical Challenge: Epistemic Dependence and Skepticism

The regress problem casts a shadow over the reliability of our knowledge claims, fueling skeptical arguments that question the possibility of attaining genuine knowledge. Skeptics argue that since our beliefs are epistemically dependent on other beliefs, which in turn depend on further beliefs, we can never definitively establish the truth of any knowledge claim.

Innovative Perspectives: Breaking the Chains of Epistemic Dependence

Despite the formidable nature of the regress problem, contemporary epistemologists have developed innovative approaches to challenge the skeptical threat:

Infinitism:

This radical approach embraces infinite justification chains, arguing that knowledge is possible even if it requires an infinite number of supporting beliefs.

Foundationalism:

Foundationalists seek to identify a set of fundamental beliefs that serve as the bedrock of all other knowledge, thus circumventing the need for infinite regress.

Coherentism:

Coherentists focus on the interconnectedness of beliefs, arguing that knowledge is justified not by external foundations, but rather by the coherence of our belief systems.

: Towards a Resolution of the Regress Problem

The regress problem remains a formidable challenge to our understanding of knowledge and justification. However, the innovative perspectives explored in this article offer tantalizing glimpses into potential resolutions. By embracing rigor, open-mindedness, and a willingness to explore new epistemological frontiers, we can continue to push the boundaries of our understanding and illuminate the path towards a deeper comprehension of the foundations of knowledge.

Epistemology and the Regress Problem (Routledge Studies in Contemporary Philosophy Book 25)

by Mabel Katz

4.5 out of 5