3. Answer any two of the following questions in about 200 words each:
a. Describe skepticism.
Answers
Answer:
Skepticism, also spelled scepticism, in Western philosophy, the attitude of doubting knowledge claims set forth in various areas. Skeptics have challenged the adequacy or reliability of these claims by asking what principles they are based upon or what they actually establish.
An attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object. The doctrine that true knowledge or knowledge in a particular area is uncertain. The method of suspended judgment, systematic doubt, or criticism characteristic of skeptics.
Good example of skepticism:
The sales pitch seemed too good to be true, so he was skeptical. The teacher was skeptical when Timmy told her the dog ate his homework. After the politician said he would not raise taxes, the voters were skeptical. John was skeptical when the television ad said the cleaner would take out all stains.
In the history of skepticism there are three types of a relationship between skepticism and atheism. They are (1) skepticism is beyond the atheism-theism debate (Sextus Empiricus), (2) skepticism is the way to fideism (Montaigne) and (3) skepticism is the way to atheism (Hume).
Another example for skepticism:
skepticism about climate change.