Skepticism

Start with the questions about knowledge

Begin with The Problem of the Criterion, a mind map that asks where an account of knowledge should start. It presents questions about what we know and the extent of our knowledge. A second mind map with the same title also introduces particularism. Look at both to compare how they arrange these questions.

For a short introduction to the topic, use the note Limits of knowledge (Scepticism). It covers what skepticism is and presents arguments for and against it.

Explore the external world

The page lists two mind maps with similarly named titles. Knowledge of the external world introduces direct realism and raises issues including illusions. Knowledge of the External World also covers naive or direct realism, alongside representative realism and idealism. Its branches include perceptual error, hallucinations and the testimony of others.

Read through the branches of each map and compare the questions they raise about perception. Then look at Moore, which outlines an attempt to resist skeptical arguments and defend realism.

Use the flashcards to practice

The Scepticism flashcards ask about the considerations that lead Descartes deeper into doubt and about skeptical possibilities. After studying the maps, try answering these questions without looking back. Return to the relevant branches when you want to check how a question relates to the material you have studied.

There are no quizzes listed on this topic page, so the flashcards offer a way to practice recalling questions and ideas alongside the maps.

Connect the topic to the unit

Skepticism is one section of the Epistemology unit in Philosophy. The mind map Epistemology - Subdivisions offers a way to look at the unit's wider focus on knowledge and understanding. Use it alongside the skepticism resources to see how their questions connect to Epistemology.

Choose a map and follow it with a few flashcards.