Radical Skepticism and Scientism essay

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School

Grand Canyon University *

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Course

103

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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6

Uploaded by MajorRat251

Luis A. Galindo College of Theology, Grand Canyon University C103: Introduction to Philosophy Lanell M Mason October 1, 2023 1
In this essay, we will talk about the realms of radical skepticism, also referred to as external-world skepticism, and scientism. These two philosophical positions present contrasting perspectives on the nature of knowledge and our ability to attain it. While radical skepticism calls into question, the very foundations of our beliefs and challenges our perception of reality, scientism promotes the primacy of science as the ultimate source of knowledge and understanding. By exploring the arguments and implications of these opposing viewpoints, we will gain insight into the complexities of human cognition and the ongoing debate surrounding the limits and possibilities of knowledge. Radical skepticism, also known as external-world skepticism, is a philosophical position that casts doubt on our fundamental ability to have knowledge about the external world or as stated in the class notes (Mason, 2023) Nothing is true and/or knowledge is impossible. It questions the reliability and accuracy of our senses, perceptions, and reasoning processes, suggesting that we cannot truly know whether our experiences and beliefs accurately represent reality. Radical skeptics argue that our senses can be deceptive, our perceptions subjective, and that there may be no way to distinguish between genuine reality and an elaborate illusion or simulation. They propose that our knowledge claims about the external world are inherently uncertain and that we cannot establish any objective truths about the world beyond our own subjective experiences. This skepticism may lead to a profound sense of uncertainty and doubt about the nature of knowledge itself. In relation to God, radical skepticism challenges traditional religious beliefs that rely on the existence of a transcendent deity. Since skeptics question our ability to know anything beyond our subjective experiences, they may cast doubt on religious claims and the existence of a higher power. Regarding the self, radical skepticism raises concerns 2
about personal identity and the nature of consciousness. If our experiences and perceptions can be deceptive, it becomes difficult to ascertain the true nature of ourselves and whether our sense of self is grounded in objective reality. Overall, radical skepticism challenges our assumptions about knowledge, reality, and various aspects of life. It prompts us to critically examine our beliefs and the foundations upon which they are built, leading to a deeper exploration of the limits and possibilities of human understanding. There is little skepticism in Christian philosophy (Burns, 2022), from the perspective of the Christian worldview, radical skepticism faces several challenges. Radical skepticism's denial of our ability to attain objective knowledge about the external world clashes with the Christian belief in a God who has created and revealed Himself in the world. Christians assert that God's existence and attributes can be known through both general revelation (the natural world) and special revelation (scripture). Scientism is a philosophical position that elevates the methods and findings of the natural sciences as the sole or primary source of knowledge and understanding or as stated in the class notes (Mason, 2023) it is a strong empiricist and scientific realist position. It asserts that empirical, measurable, and testable knowledge derived from scientific inquiry is the most reliable and authoritative form of knowledge available. Followers of scientism maintain that scientific methods should be applied to all areas of inquiry, including questions related to ethics, values, meaning, and even metaphysics. The implications of scientism for science and other aspects of life are significant and can have both positive and negative consequences. In the realm of science, scientism promotes the rigorous application of scientific methods, empirical evidence, and logical reasoning. This emphasis on objectivity and verifiability has contributed to the advancement of scientific knowledge and technological progress. Regarding knowledge of God, scientism can pose 3
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