Philosophy Test 3

Clifford’s Rule

It is wrong always, anywhere, for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.

Socially significant belief

A belief that can affect the welfare of someone other than the believer.

The Method of Doubt

Try to doubt each belief; if you can doubt it, it isn’t knowledge. If it can’t be doubted, it is known with certainty.

Sensory beliefs

Beliefs based entirely on sense experience.

a priori beliefs

Beliefs that aren’t based on sense experience.

Dream Hypothesis

I am now asleep in my bed having a very vivid dream.

Evil Demon Hypothesis

I’m now being systematically deceived by an all-powerful evil demon.

BIV Hypothesis

I am a brain in a vat being fed very vivid experiences by a mad scientist’s super computer.

External World Skepticism

We know very little to nothing about the external world outside ourselves.

Closure

If you know that p entails q, then if you know p, then you know that q.

Option

A decision (choice) between two hypotheses.

Live Option

A choice between two live hypotheses.

Forced Option

An unavoidable choice between two hypotheses.

Momentous Option

A unique choice of great personal significance.

Genuine Option

An option that is live, forced, and momentous.