Cognitive Scaffold

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MENTAL MODEL · M2019

Münchhausen Trilemma

Münchhausen Trilemma
StructureHigh supportLogic
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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

Any argument attempting to prove some truth ultimately falls into one of three dead ends: 1. Infinite regress: A because B, B because C, C because D... ad infinitum. 2. Circular reasoning: A because B, B because A. 3. Dogmatic termination: A because B, B is the truth (although I cannot prove B, I declare it an axiom). -

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

Nihilistic deconstruction of absolute truth. - It tells us that the edifice of human knowledge is actually suspended in midair. All 'science' and 'reason'...

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

Agrippa's/Münchhausen trilemma: any justification of a proposition ultimately falls into one of three—infinite regress, circular reasoning, or dogmatic stopping at some premise (dogma), revealing the impossibility of absolute certainty.

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Source support: Explicit

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    en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M%C3%BCnchhausen_trilemmaZH · Explicit
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