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Where does knowledge come from? Where does knowledge come from?
Knowledge can only be gained through empirical data Knowledge can only be gained through empirical data
Knowledge can only be gained through rationalist proof Knowledge can only be gained through rationalist proof
Knowledge is impossible Knowledge is impossible
Knowledge can be gained through a connection to god Knowledge can be gained through a connection to god
Knowledge can be gained through the scientific method Knowledge can be gained through the scientific method
Rationalists approaches to knowledge open the public up to the cult of common superstition Rationalists approaches to knowledge open the public up to the cult of common superstition
Knowledge can be gained through geometric proof Knowledge can be gained through geometric proof
Sense data is a flawed way of looking at the world Sense data is a flawed way of looking at the world
Knowledge is the product of material conditions Knowledge is the product of material conditions
Both sense data and geometric proofs are flawed ways of gaining knowlege Both sense data and geometric proofs are flawed ways of gaining knowlege
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Where does knowledge come from?
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Knowledge is impossible

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Both sense data and geometric proofs are flawed ways of gaining knowlege

The arguments against both rationalist and empiricist approaches to knowledge are legitimate.
René Descartes
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The Argument

Both empiricism and rationalism have weaknesses. The scientific method contains bias and reduces complex systems to smaller parts that are insufficient to explain the complex system. The rationalist perspective bases the knowledge on innate knowledge that is assumed and not verified. Both methods have limitations, therefore, it is impossible to gain knowledge. [1] On the other hand, the skepticism view holds that every person should be an inquirer who is still looking for the truth and is never satisfied.[2] Because knowledge is impossible, skepticism is the best way to gain knowledge with human constraints.

Counter arguments

There are truths that are not deniable. They can be addressed through inferential rules. If there are two chairs in the room, there are two chairs in the room. If one has the experience with the content that there is something green in front of him, then there is something green in front of him.[3] [4] By observation and reason, humans can gain knowledge and undeniable truth.

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/skepticism/#Bib
  2. https://www.britannica.com/topic/skepticism
  3. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/skepticism/#Bib
  4. https://www-jstor-org.ezproxy.depaul.edu/stable/2653812
This page was last edited on Sunday, 13 Sep 2020 at 17:45 UTC

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