Colloquium
Dr. Angel Pinillos, Arizona State University
Skeptical Doubt: Rule and Function
In this talk, I consider the question of why we are attracted to philosophical skepticism. I begin by indicating how our skeptical leanings may have practical consequences beyond what has been priorly noted. I then consider and criticize other approaches to this question from Timothy Williamson, John Hawthorne, Jennifer Nagel, David Lewis, plus contextualists like Keith DeRose and Stew Cohen. Finally, I give my own account which has two components. First, I give the cognitive rule which explains our inclinations towards skepticism. Second, I speculate on why creatures like us would adhere to such a rule.