Liberty University Phil201 Study Guide: Lesson 15Skepticism and CertaintyLesson OverviewThroughout the history of western society, people have been on a search for certain knowledge about things. Many philosophers have given up hope for finding certainty and therefore, have taken the view that one can never really claim to know anything. This view is called skepticism and it comes in many shapes and varieties. Yet the question may be asked, Is certainty necessary for knowledge? Can we say we know and yet be less than absolutely certain? This lesson examines the polar opposite views of skepticism and certainty, and attempts to answer the question of where does knowledge fit in this scheme.TasksView and take notes of the presentation, The Challenge of Skepticism. Much of this is repeated in the reading, but note the list of problems with skepticism on the last slide, especially the question Is certainty necessary for knowledge?Read Chapter 10 of How Do We Know? How Certain Can We Be? As you do, make sure you understand the following points and questions: Why is common sense skepticism actually epistemically healthy? Explain the difference between a global and local skeptic. Contrast and compare the different forms of skepticisms. What kind of skeptic was Pyhrro of Ellis? Why did Sextus Empiricus adopt skepticism? How did Descartes employ skepticism to arrive at certain knowledge? Explain Descartes evil demon hypothesis. What kind of skeptic was Hume? Explain the process by which Hume denied the principle of causality. What did Kants skepticism cause him to deny that we could know on the basis of pure reason? On what basis did Kant believe we were justified in believing in God? Explain 3 causes of skepticism. What is 1 benefit of philosophical skepticism? Explain 4 problems with skepticism. What are some reasons why certainty is so elusive? Is certainty necessary for knowledge? What causes the different variations of certainty?TermsMake sure you can explain the following terms and concepts: Skepticism Common Sense Skepticism Global Skepticism Local Skepticism Mitigated Skepticism Unmitigated Skepticism Methodological Skepticism Metaphysical Skepticism Pyhrronian Skepticism Systematic Doubt Principle of Causality Epistemic Humility Logical/Absolute Certainty Probabilistic Certainty Sufficient Certainty Defeasibility