Levey, Benjamin; (2003) Hegel, ancient skepticism and the problem of the criterion. Masters thesis (M.Phil), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

Recent papers on the topic of justification and epistemic circularity have provided the perfect context in which to re-assess Hegel's dialectical method. Hegel's dialectic is a topic that is frequently discussed, though rarely within the context of recent developments in epistemology. The problems responsible for motivating various key features of this method, the 'justificatory regress argument' and particularly 'the problem of the criterion' prove to be the same as those that provide the focus for many contemporary discussions. The result of many of the recent discussions is a move away from normatively based epistemological theories toward more naturalized theories, with philosophers such as W. P. Alston calling for a rejection of the demand that we be able to provide a fully reflective justification for our beliefs. Hegel does not reject such a demand and attempts to tackle these problems by providing such a justification. His reaction to Ancient (Pyrrhonian) Skepticism and his analysis of its techniques, and their strengths and weaknesses, is of great importance to his dialectical method, which is supposed to overcome Skeptical difficulties. By considering his method in light of this reaction and by comparing it to recent discussions we can deepen our understanding of Hegel's system, as well as assess its contribution to contemporary discussions of these problems.

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