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The Problem of Infinite Regress

Description: The Problem of Infinite Regress is a philosophical problem that arises when an argument or explanation relies on a premise or assumption that itself requires proof or explanation, leading to an infinite chain of reasoning. This quiz explores the concept of infinite regress and its implications in various contexts.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: philosophy of knowledge epistemology infinite regress logical fallacy
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What is the central idea behind the Problem of Infinite Regress?

  1. An argument or explanation that relies on itself for proof.

  2. An infinite chain of reasoning where each premise requires further justification.

  3. A logical fallacy where the conclusion is assumed in the premises.

  4. A paradox that arises from the concept of infinity.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Problem of Infinite Regress occurs when an argument or explanation relies on a premise that itself needs to be proven, leading to an endless loop of justification.

Which philosophical school of thought is closely associated with the Problem of Infinite Regress?

  1. Stoicism

  2. Existentialism

  3. Skepticism

  4. Rationalism


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Skepticism, particularly Pyrrhonian skepticism, often raises the Problem of Infinite Regress to challenge the reliability of knowledge and the possibility of absolute certainty.

In the context of epistemology, what does the Problem of Infinite Regress highlight?

  1. The impossibility of attaining true knowledge.

  2. The need for a foundational principle that requires no further justification.

  3. The circularity of all knowledge claims.

  4. The subjectivity of all beliefs and values.


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Problem of Infinite Regress challenges the idea that all knowledge claims can be justified, suggesting the need for a foundational principle that is self-evident or axiomatic.

Which logical fallacy is closely related to the Problem of Infinite Regress?

  1. Ad Hominem

  2. Circular Argument

  3. Straw Man

  4. False Dichotomy


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

The Problem of Infinite Regress is often associated with the Circular Argument fallacy, where the conclusion of an argument is used as a premise to support itself.

In the context of metaphysics, the Problem of Infinite Regress is often discussed in relation to:

  1. The concept of causality.

  2. The nature of time.

  3. The existence of God.

  4. The problem of universals.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Problem of Infinite Regress is often raised in discussions about the concept of causality, questioning whether every cause must have a prior cause, leading to an infinite chain of causation.

Which philosopher famously argued that the Problem of Infinite Regress can be resolved by positing a 'first cause' or 'unmoved mover'?

  1. Plato

  2. Aristotle

  3. Descartes

  4. Kant


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Aristotle proposed the idea of a 'first cause' or 'unmoved mover' as a solution to the Problem of Infinite Regress in his metaphysical system.

In the context of mathematics, the Problem of Infinite Regress is sometimes encountered in:

  1. The study of infinite series.

  2. The concept of limits.

  3. The definition of real numbers.

  4. The foundations of geometry.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Problem of Infinite Regress can arise in mathematics, particularly in the study of infinite series, where the convergence or divergence of a series depends on the convergence or divergence of its subseries.

Which philosophical approach attempts to avoid the Problem of Infinite Regress by rejecting the idea of a foundational principle?

  1. Foundationalism

  2. Coherentism

  3. Pragmatism

  4. Skepticism


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Coherentism is a philosophical approach that emphasizes the coherence and consistency of a belief system rather than relying on a foundational principle.

In the context of ethics, the Problem of Infinite Regress can arise in relation to:

  1. The justification of moral principles.

  2. The concept of moral relativism.

  3. The problem of evil.

  4. The nature of free will.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Problem of Infinite Regress can arise in ethics when attempting to justify moral principles, as each principle may require further justification, leading to an infinite chain of reasoning.

Which philosopher argued that the Problem of Infinite Regress can be resolved by positing a 'transcendental unity of apperception'?

  1. Hegel

  2. Kant

  3. Fichte

  4. Schelling


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Kant proposed the idea of a 'transcendental unity of apperception' as a solution to the Problem of Infinite Regress in his transcendental philosophy.

In the context of computer science, the Problem of Infinite Regress can be encountered in:

  1. The study of recursive algorithms.

  2. The design of programming languages.

  3. The development of artificial intelligence.

  4. The analysis of computational complexity.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Problem of Infinite Regress can arise in computer science when designing recursive algorithms, where a function calls itself repeatedly without a clear base case, leading to an infinite loop.

Which philosophical approach attempts to avoid the Problem of Infinite Regress by positing a 'ground of being' or 'ultimate reality'?

  1. Existentialism

  2. Phenomenology

  3. Heideggerianism

  4. Postmodernism


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Heideggerianism, particularly through the concept of 'Being', attempts to address the Problem of Infinite Regress by positing an ultimate reality or 'ground of being'.

In the context of physics, the Problem of Infinite Regress can be encountered in:

  1. The study of black holes.

  2. The theory of relativity.

  3. Quantum mechanics.

  4. The cosmological constant problem.


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The Problem of Infinite Regress can arise in physics, particularly in the context of the cosmological constant problem, where the observed value of the cosmological constant appears to be much smaller than what is predicted by theoretical calculations.

Which philosopher argued that the Problem of Infinite Regress can be resolved by positing a 'self-grounding' or 'self-explanatory' principle?

  1. Spinoza

  2. Leibniz

  3. Hegel

  4. Fichte


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Spinoza proposed the idea of a 'self-grounding' or 'self-explanatory' principle as a solution to the Problem of Infinite Regress in his metaphysical system.

In the context of linguistics, the Problem of Infinite Regress can be encountered in:

  1. The study of generative grammar.

  2. The analysis of natural language semantics.

  3. The development of machine translation systems.

  4. The investigation of language universals.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Problem of Infinite Regress can arise in linguistics, particularly in the study of generative grammar, where the rules for generating sentences may lead to an infinite loop of recursion.

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