Infinite regress

Definition

Infinite regress refers to a situation in reasoning or argumentation where a proposition requires an endless chain of justification, leading to a lack of foundational support for the initial claim. In the context of philosophical discussions, particularly those related to epistemology and skepticism, it poses challenges for establishing certainty and knowledge since every assertion can be questioned endlessly without arriving at a definitive conclusion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the context of Academic Skepticism, both Arcesilaus and Carneades utilized the concept of infinite regress to challenge the claims of certainty made by philosophers who argued for knowledge.
2. Infinite regress highlights the difficulty of establishing any claim as absolutely certain, as it can always lead to further questions about the justification of that claim.
3. Carneades specifically argued against the Stoics by suggesting that their assertions about knowledge could not escape infinite regress, thus demonstrating their vulnerabilities.
4. The challenge of infinite regress is central to discussions about epistemic justification, where philosophers must confront whether any beliefs can be justified without an endless chain of support.
5. The implications of infinite regress extend beyond philosophy into fields like mathematics and science, where foundational principles often face similar scrutiny regarding their validity.

Review Questions

• How does infinite regress pose a challenge for establishing certainty in philosophical arguments?
  • Infinite regress presents a significant challenge because it suggests that any claim made must be supported by further justifications, which can lead to an unending cycle. This means that no single assertion can be accepted as certain unless there is an ultimate foundation that does not itself require justification. Philosophers must grapple with whether any knowledge can stand on its own without succumbing to this endless questioning.
• Discuss how Arcesilaus and Carneades utilized infinite regress to critique Stoic epistemology.
  • Arcesilaus and Carneades used the idea of infinite regress to highlight weaknesses in Stoic epistemology by arguing that Stoics' claims about certain knowledge were ultimately unsustainable. They contended that if Stoics asserted knowledge, they must provide justifications for it. However, each justification would require another layer of support, leading to an infinite series of claims that could never conclude definitively. This effectively undermined the Stoic position on achieving certainty.
• Evaluate the impact of infinite regress on contemporary discussions about knowledge and belief in philosophy.
  • The issue of infinite regress continues to significantly influence contemporary discussions in philosophy, especially regarding epistemic justification and the nature of belief. It challenges philosophers to find a balance between skepticism and foundationalism by seeking ways to ground knowledge without falling into an endless cycle. This ongoing evaluation impacts various fields, including ethics and science, as thinkers strive to establish reliable foundations for claims in an age characterized by uncertainty and diverse perspectives.

Related terms

Foundationalism: A theory in epistemology that holds that certain beliefs or knowledge are justified based on foundational truths that do not require further justification.

Skepticism: A philosophical attitude questioning the possibility of certainty in knowledge, often leading to challenges against the validity of claims and beliefs.

Circular reasoning: A logical fallacy where the conclusion of an argument is included in its premises, creating a loop that fails to provide genuine support for the argument.