Directions: Read the material on the syllabus about skepticism. Then write a brief essay on one of the following topics.

 

Due: Monday, Dec. 4.

 

1) In his “Proof of an External World” (anthology, 602-5), G.E. Moore purports to prove that there is an external world. He claims that his proof meets the conditions of a good proof. What is his proof? What are the conditions he says that a good proof must satisfy? Is he right in thinking that his proof satisfies these conditions? Has he refuted skepticism?

 

2) In “Russell’s Doubts About Induction” (anthology, 311-19), Paul Edwards uses an example concerning the word “physician” to respond to Bertrand Russell’s doubts about inductive reasoning. Explain carefully how physician example is supposed to be analogous to Russell’s claims about induction. Are the cases relevantly similar?

 

3) On pp. 139-40 of the text, the “a priori” defense of inductive reasoning is defended from an objection alleging that it is no better than Madam Malarkey’s defense of tea leaf reading. Is this response to the Madam Malarkey example any good?”