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

5385 Views

See similar Philosophy A Level tutors

Related Philosophy A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain the difference between a deductive and an inductive argument in Philosophy


Explain and illustrate two reasons for holding the view that at birth the mind is a tabula rasa (blank slate). [15 marks]


What is the difference between a valid argument and a sound argument?


Explain the difference between analytic and ontological reduction


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning