THOMAS REID’S MODERATE REPLY TO SKEPTICISM

Abstract

The paper states a hypothesis concerning Thomas Reid’s moderation in his reply to skepticism. It is initially argued that commonsense beliefs, though due to reliable faculties, are doubtful, fallible, and correctable. They are not completely immune to skeptical att ack. It is further argued that Reid intends to reply only to one form of skepticism, the partial one – the skepticism of au- thors who accept at least one mental faculty as a reliable source of knowledge. Reid does not intend to argue with the skeptic who equally denies his assent to the reliability of all faculties – that is, the radical skeptic. This radical form of skepticism is harmless to practical life and philosophy and, for that reason, is not a threat. Finally, the hypothesis advanced is discussed considering other interpretations of Reid’s reply to skepticism.