RT Article
T1 Skepticism and Inquiry
JF International journal for the study of skepticism
VO 10
IS 3/4
SP 304
OP 324
A1 Goldberg, Sanford 1967-
LA English
PB Brill
YR 2020
UL https://ixtheo.de/Record/1747706361
AB Abstract In this paper, I am interested in skepticism’s downstream effects on further inquiry. To account for these downstream effects, we need to distinguish (i) the (skepticism-supporting) reasons for doubting whether p, (ii) one’s other background beliefs bearing on the prospects that further inquiry would improve one’s epistemic position on p, and (iii) the value one assigns to determining whether p. I advance two claims regarding skepticism’s downstream effects on inquiry. First, it is characteristic of “radical” forms of skepticism that (i) is sufficient to undermine the prospect described in (ii). By contrast (and second), ordinary forms of skepticism, which can be identified in connection with (ii), can actually be a boon to inquiry by enhancing (iii). In such cases, having reasons for skeptical doubt is not merely compatible with inquiring further, but also serves to motivate and to help frame such inquiry.
K1 scientific dissent
K1 Defeater
K1 Doubt
K1 Inquiry
K1 Skepticism
DO 10.1163/22105700-BJA10019