The regress problem

Definition

The regress problem is a philosophical issue concerning the nature of justification in knowledge claims, particularly how reasons for beliefs can lead to an infinite series of justifications. This problem raises questions about whether every belief requires a supporting reason, and if so, what happens when one needs to provide reasons for those reasons, leading to an endless regress or a stopping point in justification.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The regress problem highlights the challenge of providing a satisfactory account of how beliefs can be justified without falling into an infinite chain of reasons.
2. Foundationalists argue that certain self-evident or basic beliefs do not require further justification, thereby resolving the regress problem.
3. Coherentists counter that a network of interrelated beliefs can provide mutual support, eliminating the need for linear justification and avoiding an infinite regress.
4. The regress problem is significant in discussions about internalism, which asserts that justification must be accessible to the believer's mind.
5. This issue influences debates on the nature of knowledge itself, as it challenges the conditions under which beliefs can be considered justified and true.

Review Questions

• How does the regress problem challenge traditional views on the nature of justification?
  • The regress problem challenges traditional views by questioning whether every belief truly requires a supporting reason, leading to an endless chain of justifications. If each reason requires its own justification, this can result in an infinite regress, making it difficult to find a solid foundation for any belief. This dilemma raises critical concerns for theories of knowledge and justification, forcing philosophers to explore alternatives such as foundationalism and coherentism.
• Compare and contrast foundationalism and coherentism in relation to the regress problem.
  • Foundationalism addresses the regress problem by proposing that some beliefs are self-justified or basic, which do not require further justification, thus providing a stopping point in the chain of reasons. In contrast, coherentism argues that beliefs derive their justification from their coherence with one another within a network. While foundationalism seeks individual beliefs as bedrock, coherentism emphasizes relationships among beliefs, offering different strategies to resolve the regress problem without requiring an infinite series.
• Evaluate how internalism relates to the regress problem and its implications for accessibility of justification.
  • Internalism posits that justification must be accessible to the individual's mental states, which closely ties to the regress problem by emphasizing the need for individuals to have reasons for their beliefs that they can consciously reflect upon. This focus on accessibility implies that if justifications require an infinite regress, individuals may struggle to find adequate support for their beliefs. The implications are significant: if people cannot access sufficient justification due to an unending chain of reasons, then internalism may face challenges in establishing a robust account of knowledge and rational belief.

Related terms

Foundationalism: A theory in epistemology that posits there are basic beliefs which serve as the foundation for all other beliefs, preventing the regress of justification.

Coherentism: An epistemological theory suggesting that beliefs are justified by their coherence with other beliefs rather than requiring an infinite regress of justifications.

Justification: The process or reasoning that supports a belief or claim, making it rationally acceptable and distinguishing it from mere opinion.