Critical Introduction to Skepticism

Skepticism and Its Role in Epistemology

Skepticism remains a central and defining issue in epistemology, and in the wider tradition of Western philosophy. To better understand the contemporary position of this important philosophical subject, Allan Hazlett introduces a range of topics, including:

• Ancient skepticism
• skeptical arguments in the work of Hume and Descartes
• Cartesian skepticism in contemporary epistemology
• anti-skeptical strategies, including Mooreanism, nonclosure, and contextualism
• additional varieties of skepticism
• the practical consequences of Cartesian skepticism

Presenting a comprehensive survey of the key problems, arguments, and theories, together with additional readings, A Critical Introduction to Skepticism is an ideal guide for students and scholars looking to understand how skepticism is shaping epistemology today.