Beginning in the 17th century, traditional ideas were being questioned by

the new beginnings of science. Although many of the accomplishments during this

"scientific revolution" were in astronomy and mechanics, very important advances

along the whole borders of knowledge were also taking place. The revival of

skepticism, brought about by these new concepts, had many philosophers seeking

answers to questions such as: Do we know anything at all, and do the sciences give

us knowledge of reality? Rene Descartes, whom many consider to be the father of

modern philosophy, sought to kill skepticism for good. He gave his Cartesian quest

for certainty the center stage in his epistemology, or theory of knowledge.

Following Descartes, later in the 18th century, David Hume also broke away from

the religious dogma of the day to explain knowledge on a non theological basis.

However, His epistemology dismisses Cartesian methods as both unworkable and

barren. Instead, he adopts his own theories which counters the ideas of his of

predecessor, and casts a different view on the levels of certainty humans can

The Content and Objects of Knowledge--Rene D

event follows another, but we can not say that one event caused the other. For example,

knowledge, and are used in the method to determine whether certainty exists.

were his alone, and distinct from other people's.

enchainment are always equally intelligible.

perception such as the sun will rise tomorrow. These are clearly conceived related ideas

prori ideas did not exist and that our ideas are not innate, but derived purely from

becomes clear that empiricism cannot give us an epistemological justification for the

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Approximate Word count = 1624
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)