A skeptical hypothesis is a hypothetical situation that raises doubts about knowledge. Usually the hypothesis posits the existence of a deceptive power that deceives our senses and undermines the justification of knowledge otherwise accepted as justified. Skeptical hypotheses have received much attention in modern western philosophy. Some of the prominent skeptical hypotheses in western philosophy include: Evil Daemon, Brain in a vat, and the Five minute hypothesis.

Scope and Power

---

Skeptical hypotheses differ from other forms of skepticism in scope and power. The scope of the evil demon hypothesis is much wider than moral skepticism or religious skepticism. Skeptical hypotheses cast doubt on the widest range of human knowledge. The power of the evil demon hypothesis supports the claim that all beliefs form experience are deceptions (unjustified).

Origins of Skeptical Hypotheses

---

The first skeptical hypothesis in the modern western philosophy appears in Rene Descartes's primary philosophical work, Meditations on First Philosophy. At the end of the first Meditation Descartes writes: "I will suppose... that some evil demon of the utmost power and cunning has employed all his energies to deceive me." Additionally, skeptical hypotheses were posted in all the stages and regions of history of philosophy.

See also

---

• Skepticism
• Philosophical skepticism
• Here is one hand - a response to skepticism

External links

---

• responding to skepticism

Epistemology