PHI 103 Radical Skepticism Essay PDF

Preview

Summary

Download PHI 103 Radical Skepticism Essay PDF

Description

Victoria Stitt PHI-103 Professor Osmundsen 2/07/2021 Radical Skepticism and Scientism Reflection The topics of skepticism including radical and external world skepticism are very important to today’s philosophical world, as well as scientism. Scientism and radical skepticism are different believes about how we understand knowledge. Radical skepticism is the idea that we cannot have accurate knowledge about the physical world outside of our minds (Reasonable Skepticism about Radical Skepticism - Christian Research Institute, 2015). Scientism is a speculative worldview about the ultimate reality of the universe. The two are in correlation because the topics are mainly focused on the idea that the physical being of the world is needed to define the Earth as whole. Their belief systems are very different, and according to the Christian worldview, radical skepticism and scientism are both wrong in that worldview. In this essay, it will discuss the two topics, the problems with them, and how they compare to the Christian worldview. Radical Skepticism is a concept believed that certain knowledge is impossible to believe. Radical skepticism was first acknowledged by philosopher David Hume in the late 1700’s. He had studied empiricism and set a goal to understand why we believe in what we believe in. He recognized nothing can be determined without some level of skepticism in a belief. He then determined the concept of radical skepticism. External world skepticism is another word for radical skepticism, which is an idea based on the belief’s knowledge is uncertain and impossible.

An example explanation would be that doubt will always be present in every situation because people will never find a way to know complete truth. In the radical skepticism view, if there is no possible way to know the complete truth, then there is no way for people to know if they are living in a real world. There are many questions regarding radical skepticism that is brought up to philosophers. If there is no certainty or evidence, how is one able to support this belief? Scientism is an exaggerated trust in the efficacy of the methods of natural science applied to all areas of investigation (Definition of SCIENTISM, 2019). Scientism is a form of empiricism, as it has strong, and weak versions. Strong scientism implies that something is true, rationally justified, or known if and only if it is a scientific claim that has been success fully tested and that is being used according to appropriate scientific methodology. There are no truths that can be known apart from appropriately certified scientific claims, especially those in the hard or natural sciences. Weak scientism acknowledges truths apart from science, granting them some minimal rational status even if they don’t have scientific support. Nevertheless, weak scientism still implies that science is by far the most authoritative sector of human knowing (Moreland, 2018). These two forms have a strong presence in todays culture and society, and have influence on peoples minds. The only knowledge that comes from scientism is only seen in physical studies including chemistry, biology and physics. There is no spiritual or ethical knowledge connected to scientism. In fact, scientism rejects philosophy. Scientism has a very atheist view of the world. How could you believe in God if there is no belief of the spiritual world in scientism? Unfortunately, in some cases, people cannot believe in the Christian worldview due to their views on scientism and believe there is no God due to no evidence. We were only created by God, as we know nothing can be created or destroyed except by God, as the arrangement of the universe was created by him.

Radical skepticism and scientism are both wrong in the Christian worldview. They are unique ideas but do not align with Christianity. Scientism cannot support its own claim when it comes to beliefs. They both are concepts that are compared to find truth and have knowledge, although these concepts are based off an individual’s beliefs. As a Christian, you are taught to trust in God, but when a skeptic interferes your belief and tries to manipulate you, it can be hard to stay true to your beliefs during that time. Radical skepticism’s beliefs are strictly that people will always fail when it comes to certainty. Scientism belief in hard science being the only way to gain knowledge. It is essential to know the difference as it leads a persons mindset to pick what they are true to and what they believe in.

References: Moreland, J. P. (2018, September 27). JP Moreland’s Web» The Ironies of Strong and Weak Scientism. Www.jpmoreland.com. http://www.jpmoreland.com/2018/09/27/the-ironiesof-strong-and-weak-scientism/ Reasonable Skepticism about Radical Skepticism - Christian Research Institute. (2015). Christian Research Institute. https://www.equip.org/article/reasonable-skepticism-aboutradical-skepticism/ Blocker, S. D. (2013). Grand Canyon University - Digital Resources. Www.gcumedia.com. http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/pearson/2012/fundamentals-ofphilosophy_ebook_8e.php...