Single Idea 8834

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / A. Justification Problems / 2. Justification Challenges / a. Agrippa's trilemma]

Full Idea

Infinitism can solve the regress problem, because it endorses a warrant-emergent form of reasoning in which warrant increases as the series of reasons lengthens. The theory can avoid both circularity and arbitrariness.

Clarification

A 'warrant' is an entitlement to believe something

Gist of Idea

Infinitism avoids a regress, circularity or arbitrariness, by saying warrant just increases

Source

Peter Klein (Infinitism solution to regress problem [2005], 'Step 2')

Book Reference

'Contemporary Debates in Epistemology', ed/tr. Steup,M/Sosa,E [Blackwell 2005], p.136


A Reaction

It nicely avoids arbitrariness by offering a reason for absolutely every belief. I think the way to go may to combine individual Infinitism with a social account of where to set the bar of acceptable justification.