Radical Skepticism and Scientism

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School

Grand Canyon University *

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103

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Philosophy

Date

Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by CommodoreScienceBuffalo30

1 Radical Skepticism and Scientism Daniel Nunez College of Humanities and Social Services Phil-103: Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics Professor Dan Kemp February 5, 2024

2 Radical Skepticism and Scientism In navigating the landscape of epistemology, two philosophical paradigms stand starkly. Two philosophical ideas that oppose one another when navigating the challenges of epistemology are scientism and radical skepticism. Radical skepticism is a philosophical doubt about the possibility of knowing anything other than one's own subjective experience. It poses serious doubts about the nature of certainty and truth, challenging the idea that we can reliably access an outside reality that is unaffected by our perceptions. Scientism, on the other hand, upholds the importance of scientific investigation as the exclusive judge of reality and knowledge. It makes the claim that the scientific method offers the most trustworthy means of comprehending the world because of its empirical evidence and logical analysis. These two points of view have engaged in a difficult analogy throughout history, with each side challenging and supporting the other in an ongoing battle for primacy in epistemology. The roots, philosophies, and applications of radical skepticism and scientism will be discussed in this essay, along with their advantages and disadvantages. In the end, it will provide light on the nature of knowledge and the pursuit of understanding by humans. Examining these philosophical frameworks can help us understand the intricacies of epistemology and the continuous search for truth in an uncertain world. Radical Skepticism The philosophical stance of radical skepticism questions the possibility of knowing anything about the outside world other than what one's own subjective experience can reveal (Plantinga, 2000). Fundamentally, radical skepticism raises the question of whether or not people can actually know anything outside of their minds. This skepticism casts doubt on the validity of rational faculties and sensory perceptions, creating a deep epistemic uncertainty.

3 The implications of radical skepticism for knowledge are profound. If we cannot trust our senses or reasoning processes to accurately represent the external world, then traditional sources of knowledge such as empirical evidence and logical deduction become unreliable. This casts doubt on the foundations of science, philosophy, and everyday beliefs about reality. Furthermore, radical skepticism makes questions about the nature of the self, the existence of others, and the possibility of objective truth. It undermines traditional notions of certainty and challenges deeply held assumptions about the nature of reality. From a Christian worldview perspective, radical skepticism poses significant problems. Christianity asserts the existence of an objective reality created by God, which humans can apprehend through both natural revelation and special revelation (Plantinga, 2000). However, radical skepticism undermines the possibility of accessing this external reality, potentially eroding the basis for faith and theological claims about God’s nature and the divine purpose for humanity. Additionally, skepticism about the reliability of human reasoning raises questions about the validity of theological arguments and the capacity of individuals to understand and interpret religious texts. Scientism Scientism is a philosophical stance in which it says that the best possible way one might acquire knowledge is through science (Kemp, 2024). It asserts that the scientific method with its emphasis on empirical research and analysis it provides the most reliable and authoritative way to comprehend the world. The implications of scientism for science are significant, as it addresses the importance of empirical evidence and rigorous methodology in advancing human knowledge. It promotes the idea that scientific inquiry can provide answers to questions about the nature of reality, the

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