Skepticism and Epistemology in Science: Descartes’ Perspective on Truth and Doubt

Introduction

Skepticism plays a vital role in the life of any person and the scientific field as well. For this purpose, this phenomenon allows one to differentiate between the truth and a flawed perspective or a lie. An ability to be skeptical makes a person capable of thinking critically. In this case, epistemology is the philosophical area concerned with the perception of knowledge in its connection to reality. Under epistemology, scientific events can only be considered credible when there is no uncertainty, which is valid.

Descartes’ Epistemological Standard: The Role of Certainty in Defining Knowledge

René Descartes discussed the concepts of epistemology, and such beliefs regarding human truth and perception have logic. For instance, according to Descartes, “a belief qualifies as knowledge only if there are no grounds or reasons for doubting that belief” (Crumley 23). Moreover, he stated that “scientific beliefs must be based on beliefs that themselves are epistemically legitimate or justified” (Crumley 23).

Therefore, by claiming this, Descartes meant that the credibility of the belief and reliability of perspective is irrelevant when it has a slight amount of uncertainty. For instance, centuries ago, the shape of the Earth could be debated, considering that there were not many sources to support claims. However, with the advent of technology, the uncertainty regarding the Earth being round was eliminated. Many scientific theories are offered in this case, but any theoretical base without solid evidence does not make it accurate, and uncertainty demonstrates it.

Conclusion

Hence, scientific occurrences may only be regarded as legitimate under epistemology when there is no valid doubt. René Descartes explored the ideas of epistemology, and his views on human perception and truth are valid. Descartes said that when a viewpoint or perspective includes a small degree of ambiguity, it does not matter if it is credible or accurate. The confusion about the Earth’s shape was removed with the development of technology.

Work Cited

Crumley, Jack S. An Introduction to Epistemology. United States: Broadview Press, 2009.

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StudyCorgi. (2025, September 29). Skepticism and Epistemology in Science: Descartes’ Perspective on Truth and Doubt. https://studycorgi.com/skepticism-and-epistemology-in-science-descartes-perspective-on-truth-and-doubt/

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StudyCorgi. (2025) 'Skepticism and Epistemology in Science: Descartes’ Perspective on Truth and Doubt'. 29 September.

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StudyCorgi. "Skepticism and Epistemology in Science: Descartes’ Perspective on Truth and Doubt." September 29, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/skepticism-and-epistemology-in-science-descartes-perspective-on-truth-and-doubt/.

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StudyCorgi. 2025. "Skepticism and Epistemology in Science: Descartes’ Perspective on Truth and Doubt." September 29, 2025. https://studycorgi.com/skepticism-and-epistemology-in-science-descartes-perspective-on-truth-and-doubt/.

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