Nagel Says, "Skepticism Begins When We Include Ourselves in the World

question 101

Essay

Nagel says, "Skepticism begins when we include ourselves in the world about which we claim knowledge. We notice that certain types of evidence convince us, that we are content to allow justifications of belief to come to an end at certain points, that we feel we know many things even without knowing or having grounds for believing the denial of others which, if true, would make what we claim to know false." Do you agree with Nagel? Explain your answer.

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Definitions:

Cerebellum

A region of the brain important in motor control and coordination.

Reticular Formation

A network of nerve pathways in the brainstem involved in consciousness and the regulation of sleep-wake cycles.

Brainstem

The part of the brain connecting the spinal cord with the forebrain and cerebrum, controlling basic life functions.

Hippocampus

A major component of the brain involved in memory formation and spatial navigation.