Skepticism Ridiculous, Michael Philips Attempts to Understand Essay

Total Length: 607 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 1

Page 1 of 2

Skepticism Ridiculous," Michael Philips attempts to understand the disparity between the philosophical skepticism of many philosophers and the failure to fully engage this idea in their private or personal lives. For instance, while many modern sociologists may believe that "free choice" is inherently an illusion, Philips contends that "not many of them adopted this attitude in relation to their children." (Philips, 2005) His point being that there is a clear inconsistency between what many philosophers come to believe in their professional opinions and whether or not they fully incorporate these beliefs into their personal lives. Philips eventually comes to the conclusion that the skeptical arguments have a place in understanding the world but if the conclusions of skeptical arguments challenge what he refers to as a set "core beliefs," these conclusions do not have to be believed, or acted out in anyone's personal life because the fundamental premises on which these conclusions may themselves be faulty.

Stuck Writing Your "Skepticism Ridiculous, Michael Philips Attempts to Understand" Essay?



While some may say that Philips is attempting to have it both ways by accepting skeptical arguments while also rejecting their conclusions if they happen to be inconvenient, that would not be a clear understanding of Philips' conclusions. His main point is that while skeptical arguments are perfectly good for understanding the world around, modern philosophers are not the summit of philosophy, and that future philosopher may reject the basic premises on which modern philosophy is based; mainly the acceptance of skeptical arguments. In the past, for example, the ancient philosopher Zeno fully believed that existence was divided into "instantaneous moments (that is, moments having no duration)" while modern philosophers reject the idea that there is a "period of time in which there is no motion at all." (Philips, 2005) Zeno may have fully believed that his basic assumptions were correct, but modern philosophers reject….....

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Skepticism Ridiculous Michael Philips Attempts To Understand" (2013, February 15) Retrieved June 5, 2026, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/skepticism-ridiculous-michael-philips-attempts-104156

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Skepticism Ridiculous Michael Philips Attempts To Understand" 15 February 2013. Web.5 June. 2026. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/skepticism-ridiculous-michael-philips-attempts-104156>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Skepticism Ridiculous Michael Philips Attempts To Understand", 15 February 2013, Accessed.5 June. 2026,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/skepticism-ridiculous-michael-philips-attempts-104156