In discussing Closure Principle arguments for scepticism, Fred Dretske suggests that the problem with the closure principle is that it requires us to be able to rule out all of the many things that are incompatible with our claimed knowledge. But this, he suggests, is excessive.Instead, when we are trying to determine whether or not someone is justified in believing something, Dretske suggests that we focus on whether they have reasons to reject all Answer 1 Question 4 alternatives, not all Answer 2 Question 4 alternatives.

Statements backed by good reasons are…OptionsBeyond all possible doubtWorthy of strong acceptanceNever falseTo be believed with certainty

In 150 - 200 of your own words, please state which response to the closure principle for knowledge you think is most plausible, and clearly explain why.

Scepticism is the philosophy that claims, ‘we can never have real knowledge of anything’.Question 7Select one:TrueFalse

There are number of different ways in which we might respond to the sceptic's closure principle argument. Give the following positions in logical space their correct name.The Closure Principle is false, as it is too strong. This means that, even though knowledge means the same in both cases, we can know things about the external world yet not know that we are not a brain-in-a-vat.Answer 1 Question 3The Closure Principle is true. As we do have external world knowledge, it follows that we also know that we are not a brain-in-a-vat.Answer 2 Question 3The Closure Principle is true. As we do not know that we are not a brain-in-a-vat, it follows that we do not have external world knowledge.Answer 3 Question 3The Closure Principle is true, but the key notion of knowledge is context-sensitive. If used in an everyday context, we do have external world knowledge and know that we are not a brain-in-a-vat; if used in a philosophical context, however, we do not know that we are not a brain-in-a-vat, therefore do not have external world knowledge.Answer 4 Question 3

What was Descartes' reason for doubting everything?1 pointTo have a certain foundation to ground our knowledgeTo justify his theological beliefsTo disprove that there are other mindsTo be certain we have a brainClear selection