MENTAL MODEL · M13224

Infinite Regress Arguments

CultureHigh supportEpistemology

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Updated 2026-09-10

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INTRODUCTION

English translation pending.

CORE DEFINITION

An infinite regress is a series of elements with a starting point but no end, each element leading to or producing the next in some way. An infinite regress argument invokes such a series against a theory: the theory entails an infinite regress, and this is taken to be an unacceptable defect. Foundationalism, coherentism, and holism offer different responses to it.

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

psychology

Reduce cognitive load

- Trace premises: keep asking on what basis, exposing an argument's lack of a final support. - Refute theories: if a theory necessarily generates an endless chain, use that as grounds for rejecting it. - Locate the stopping point: distinguish vicious from benign regresses and determine where it is reasonable to stop.

anchor

Anchor fast decisions

If every reason requires another reason, and that one requires yet another, the chain never reaches an endpoint. Such arguments are powerful not because infinity itself is shameful but because they expose a theory's inability to supply a foundation, to complete an analysis, or its generation of consequences we independently reject.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

Write out the regress the theory entails and confirm that each link really exists. 2. Decide whether the objection targets the regress itself or another defect it exposes. 3. Check whether the regress is vicious and whether it transmits the relevant property. 4. Choose a response among foundationalism, coherentism, and holism accordingly.

Check to track your progress (stored locally)

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Source support: Explicit

link
plato.stanford.eduhttps://plato.stanford.edu/entries/infinite-regress/ZH · Explicit
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