The Problem of Criterion

Definition

The Problem of Criterion is a philosophical dilemma concerning how we determine the validity of our knowledge claims. It raises the question of what criteria we should use to differentiate between true knowledge and false beliefs. This issue connects deeply with different forms of skepticism, particularly how both Pyrrhonism and Academic skepticism challenge the foundations of certainty in knowledge.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Problem of Criterion highlights a circular issue: if we need criteria to determine knowledge, we also need knowledge to establish those criteria.
2. Pyrrhonists argue that since no certain criteria exist to validate knowledge, one should suspend belief in all claims to achieve tranquility.
3. Academic skeptics posit that some knowledge is possible but challenge our ability to attain certain and infallible knowledge through any given criterion.
4. This problem was notably addressed by ancient philosophers like Sextus Empiricus and Carneades, who explored its implications on belief and knowledge.
5. Understanding the Problem of Criterion helps illustrate the broader challenges faced by epistemologists in defining knowledge and its limits.

Review Questions

• How does the Problem of Criterion illustrate the challenges faced by both Pyrrhonism and Academic skepticism?
  • The Problem of Criterion presents a significant challenge for both Pyrrhonism and Academic skepticism as it emphasizes the difficulty in establishing reliable criteria for knowledge. Pyrrhonists suspend judgment on all beliefs due to the absence of unquestionable criteria, while Academic skeptics accept that some form of knowledge exists but argue it cannot be definitively achieved. Both schools highlight the complexities surrounding knowledge claims and the implications of not having a firm basis for validating what we believe.
• In what ways does the Problem of Criterion complicate the pursuit of knowledge according to Academic skeptics?
  • For Academic skeptics, the Problem of Criterion complicates the pursuit of knowledge by suggesting that while some knowledge may be possible, it ultimately remains unattainable due to inherent uncertainties in our criteria. They contend that any claim to certainty is undermined by the need for prior justification, leading to an endless regress where no firm foundation can be established. This perspective raises doubts about our ability to ever truly know something with complete assurance.
• Evaluate how the Problem of Criterion impacts contemporary discussions in epistemology regarding certainty and justification.
  • The Problem of Criterion has profound implications for contemporary epistemology as it raises critical questions about the nature of justification and certainty. It challenges modern philosophers to rethink how we establish valid criteria for knowledge claims and whether any such criteria can be sufficiently justified without falling into circular reasoning. This dilemma fosters ongoing debates about relativism, foundationalism, and coherentism, forcing epistemologists to confront the limits of human understanding and the quest for objective truth in an increasingly complex philosophical landscape.

Related terms

Skepticism: A philosophical approach that questions the possibility of certain or absolute knowledge, often advocating for doubt regarding beliefs and claims.

Pyrrhonism: A form of ancient Greek skepticism that promotes suspension of judgment (epoché) about beliefs, asserting that we should refrain from asserting truth about any knowledge.

Academic Skepticism: A school of thought that suggests that while knowledge may exist, it is not attainable, promoting a more dogmatic approach to skepticism compared to Pyrrhonism.