Philosophy essay homework

Can we really know anything? Discuss/explain in light of :

(1) what knowledge is–i.e. the three elements essential for knowledge

(2) Descartes method of doubt

(3) skeptic’s challenges to the three sources of knowledge

(4) David Hume’s skepticism

(5) Russell’s 5 minute hypothesis

(5) the test of livability, and (6) the Principle of belief conservation.

Discuss also (7) whether we can ever know that we are not in something like the Matrix (8) whether it would be so bad to be in the Matrix program, and (9) how the Matrix resembles Plato’s Parable of the Cave.

Solution Preview

Knowledge is referred to as the ability of a person to be familiar with different aspects of life such as events, ideas, ways of doing things and even objects. The more familiar a person is with different aspects, the more knowledgeable they are in those areas. The three elements that are crucial for knowledge include the fact that a person must possess a conscious mind that is in the right condition since minds that suffer from cognitive disorders have difficulties receiving and retaining knowledge.

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