Explain G.E. Moore's argument against scepticism.

G.E. Moore performs something known as the G.E. Moore shift. This is where he takes the sceptic's Modus Ponens argument: (1) If you can doubt the natural world then you cannot know anything about the natural world (P=>Q) (2) You can doubt the natural world (e.g. because of Descartes' Deamon) (P) (c) You cannot know anything about the natural world (Q) And turns it into a Modes Tollens argument (1) If you can doubt the natural world then you cannot know anything about the natural world (P=>Q) (2) You can know things about the natural world (that Moore has two hands) (~Q) (c) You can't doubt the natural world (~P)

GP
Answered by Gareth P. Philosophy tutor

4610 Views

See similar Philosophy A Level tutors

Related Philosophy A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between rationalism and empiricism?


How does Descartes put forward a challenge to the empiricist view of reality?


What is the ontological argument for God's existence? Is it successful?


Does the Ontological Argument prove the existence of God


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences