Skepticism and knowledge in epistemology

From time to time, we are called upon to defend our knowledge from skeptics. However, does this mean that skepticism is entirely a bad thing or that our knowledge should not be questioned? There are various arguments that could be presented in favor of skepticism. One of the earlier arguments, i.e. academic skepticism, was established by Arcesilaus (315-240 B.C.). It argues that “no one has any knowledge” (Craig and Moreland, 2003, p. 92). On this front, therefore, any opinion or point of view presented by an individual should be questioned or scrutinized. Yet another prominent argument in favor of skepticism is the pyrrhonian skepticism. This form of skepticism advances the argument that we can neither make the claim that we do not know anything, not claim that we know anything. In that regard, therefore, we must always assume a doubtful position about either the denial or proposition of an idea or point of view. If I were confronted by a skeptic, I would be both sincere and gracious to the concerns of the said skeptic. For instance, if the skeptic sought to question the existence of God, I would appeal to reason and propose that we apply a commonsense approach. This is more so the case given that as Craig and Moreland (2003) observe, “common sense assures us that we all know and have justified beliefs about many things” (91). Further, commonsense unites diverse points of view in most instances. The commonsense approach in this case would, for instance, dwell on the complexity of the human body and the orderly nature of the universe, and thus conclude that there must be a Devine Creator/Supreme Designer.
It is important to note that as per Locke’s epistemology, it is impossible for human beings to acquire unlimited knowledge. Knowledge is limited to the extent of what a person knows at a specific point in time. Even then, what we already know is largely subjective. This is more so the case given some human weaknesses such as memory loss and bias. For instance, frailties in memory make it possible for a person to forget acquired knowledge. On the other hand, bias could affect the way we perceive things, hence distorting out judgment. The extent to which knowledge is acquired is, in my opinion, largely founded on intuition and the extent to which a person interacts with those around him and with the environment using his five senses.



















References
Craig, W.L. & Moreland, J.P. (2003). Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview. Downers Grove: IL: InterVersity Press.