Philosophical Scepticism

Definition

Philosophical scepticism is a philosophical school of thought that questions the possibility of certainty in knowledge.
It asserts that knowledge is not possible, either in total or regarding particular domains.
Scepticism is present in some form in many philosophical traditions, including Western and Eastern schools of thought.
Its theoretical basis is the claim that evidence does not provide certainty in knowledge and that belief is not inherently justified.

Global scepticism denies the possibility of any knowledge. It is also occasionally considered as absolute scepticism.
Local scepticism denies knowledge in specific areas.
Academic scepticism questions certainty but doesn’t reject the possibility of knowledge. Followers of this perspective were known as Academics during the Hellenistic period.
Pyrrhonian scepticism suspends judgement (epoche) on all beliefs, including sceptical ones, and maintains a position of doubt. This is a stance of continuous enquiry.

The origins of scepticism are generally traced back to ancient Greece.
Ancient philosophers such as Socrates, with his irony and the Socratic method, have been considered progenitors of scepticism.
The Pluralists and The Pyrrhonists were critical schools in the historical development of scepticism.
David Hume, an Enlightenment philosopher, is frequently associated with the introduction of modern scepticism.

Scepticism has greatly influenced areas such as science, where systematic doubt is an important part of the scientific method.
Scepticism has also played a significant role in the field of ethics, as the idea of moral knowledge and certainty has been critically evaluated.
Scepticism poses significant epistemological challenges and has influenced the development of theories of knowledge and belief.

Some critique scepticism as being self-defeating, asking if sceptics are sceptical of scepticism itself.
Others criticise it for leading to epistemological nihilism or complete inaction.
Meanwhile, some argue that scepticism fails to account for everyday epistemological practices and human nature.

Thoroughly understand Descartes’ scepticism, specifically his dream and evil demon arguments.
Examine and understand the Challenge of Induction, which David Hume heightens into the Problem of Induction.
Familiarise yourself with scepticism as it pertains to perception - how do we know our perceptions correspond to reality?
Apprehend the critique of scepticism – how does one refute sceptical arguments and how can one solve sceptical paradoxes?