Radical Skepticism and the Shadow of Doubt

A Philosophical Dialogue

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy, Epistemology
Cover of the book Radical Skepticism and the Shadow of Doubt by Eli Hirsch, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Eli Hirsch ISBN: 9781350033870
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: December 28, 2017
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic Language: English
Author: Eli Hirsch
ISBN: 9781350033870
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: December 28, 2017
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Language: English

Radical Skepticism and the Shadow of Doubt brings something new to epistemology both in content and style. At the outset we are asked to imagine a person named Vatol who grows up in a world containing numerous people who are brains-in-vats and who hallucinate their entire lives. Would Vatol have reason to doubt whether he himself is in contact with reality? If he does have reason to doubt, would he doubt, or is it impossible for a person to have such doubts? And how do we ourselves compare to Vatol? After reflection, can we plausibly claim that Vatol has reason to doubt, but we don't? These are the questions that provide the novel framework for the debates in this book. Topics that are treated here in significantly new ways include: the view that we ought to doubt only when we philosophize; epistemological "dogmatism†?; and connections between radical doubt and "having a self.†?

The book adopts the innovative form of a "dialogue/play.†? The three characters, who are Talmud students as well as philosophers, hardly limit themselves to pure philosophy, but regale each other with Talmudic allusions, reminiscences, jokes, and insults. For them the possibility of doubt emerges as an existential problem with potentially deep emotional significance. Setting complex arguments about radical skepticism within entertaining dialogue, this book can be recommended for both beginners and specialists.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Radical Skepticism and the Shadow of Doubt brings something new to epistemology both in content and style. At the outset we are asked to imagine a person named Vatol who grows up in a world containing numerous people who are brains-in-vats and who hallucinate their entire lives. Would Vatol have reason to doubt whether he himself is in contact with reality? If he does have reason to doubt, would he doubt, or is it impossible for a person to have such doubts? And how do we ourselves compare to Vatol? After reflection, can we plausibly claim that Vatol has reason to doubt, but we don't? These are the questions that provide the novel framework for the debates in this book. Topics that are treated here in significantly new ways include: the view that we ought to doubt only when we philosophize; epistemological "dogmatism†?; and connections between radical doubt and "having a self.†?

The book adopts the innovative form of a "dialogue/play.†? The three characters, who are Talmud students as well as philosophers, hardly limit themselves to pure philosophy, but regale each other with Talmudic allusions, reminiscences, jokes, and insults. For them the possibility of doubt emerges as an existential problem with potentially deep emotional significance. Setting complex arguments about radical skepticism within entertaining dialogue, this book can be recommended for both beginners and specialists.

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book The Ottoman Empire and the Bosnian Uprising by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book Speaking of Stendhal by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book MacArthur’s Air Force by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book Shakespeare and Costume by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book Numbers: An Introduction and Study Guide by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book First Bull Run 1861 by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book Philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book Quality Hollywood by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book Play Acting by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book Shakespeare and Ecofeminist Theory by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book The Adventurer's Guide to Britain by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book The Secret Sharer by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book An Edible History of Humanity by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book Desire: A Memoir by Eli Hirsch
Cover of the book Brother of the More Famous Jack by Eli Hirsch
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy