The Problem of the Criterion
Updated 2026-08-08
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
Raised in ancient skepticism and revived in modern epistemology, the problem of the criterion asks how we can distinguish true from false beliefs. We need a criterion to judge particular cases, but we can only validate a criterion by testing it against cases we already accept as true. Either route is circular, so any knowledge system rests at bottom on axioms or commitments it cannot prove from within.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Notice the ground: ask what unproven axiom your reasoning ultimately rests on - Hold principles loosely: keep commitment to your foundation while staying willing to question it - Expect circularity: recognize that every justification chain ends somewhere rather than in proof
Anchor fast decisions
The criterion and the cases justify each other, so no neutral starting point exists: foundationalism, coherentism, and skepticism are the classical exits, each leaving something unproven. The practical response is to treat recurring nonstandard problems as a library, abstracting shared features into named standard problems with reusable solutions so exceptions become routine instead of ad hoc.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Problem_of_the_criterionverified
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