Skepticism: The Basics

<p>This book introduces students and other interested readers to the philosophical study of skepticism a central and long-standing subject in philosophy. The first three chapters cover <i>knowledge</i> providing the necessary foundation for introducing <i>skepticism </i>in the book's final three chapters. Throughout the volume addresses basic questions in these two areas such as:</p><ul> <li>What are the differences between the three types of knowledge: direct knowledge knowledge by ability and propositional knowledge?</li> <li>What is the Gettier problem and why does it resist easy solutions?</li> <li>Why do philosophers still talk about René Descartes’ techniques for raising doubts about what we can know but have largely forgotten Descartes’ attempts to answer these doubts?</li> <li>How do we know that we’re not just brains in a vat?</li> <li>Is Pyrrhonian skepticism—the idea that we know absolutely nothing—ultimately self-refuting?</li> </ul><p>With a glossary of key terms and suggestions for further reading <i>Skepticism: The Basics </i>is an ideal starting point for anyone seeking a lively and accessible foray into the study of epistemology.</p><p><b>Key Features and Benefits:</b></p><ul> <p> </p> <li>Cover both traditional topics – like the tripartite conception of knowledge – and emerging issues like knowledge-first epistemology and concessive responses to inductive skepticism</li> <li>Demystifies an area where beginners frequently get stuck: the difference between common-sense skepticism and philosophical skepticism</li> <li>Clearly explains the important contributions from historical and contemporary thinkers like Descartes Hume Popper Quine Dretske Strawson Nozick and Sosa</li> </ul>