LOCKE’S RESPONSE TO SKEPTICISM
Keywords:
Skepticism, Locke, Sensitive knowledge, Descartes, Constructive skepticismAbstract
In this paper I propose that examining Locke’s response
to skepticism requires us to consider at least three distinct senses in which skepticism appears on the horizon of the Essay. Skepticism is addressed, directly or indirectly, (i) as a general outcome of philosophical inquiry, (ii) as a methodical decision to doubt, and also (iii) as the result of a particular problem that challenges the claim to knowledge. I think that by examining how Locke reacts to such issues, we get a more accurate and nuanced picture of Locke’s relationship to skeptical philosophy.
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