In this episode: A run-down of Descartes' response to the problem of scepticism, including an explanation of his wax analogy for the concept of physical objects, his argument for the possibility of physical objects and, inevitably, his argument for the existence of the external world. Also, some empirical crits as well as a bonus criticism from Amanda Bryant's paper 'Keep The Chickens Cooped: The Epistemic Inadequacy of Free Range Metaphysics'.

Also also, the typical weird analogies- this time relating to iced lattes (I know, shocker, an actual reference to coffee for once), a horse with a thousand legs, and Santa Clause being honestly? A questionable idea overall.

In this episode, I will be introducing the topic of scepticism- what it is, the differences between local and global scepticism, Descartes' three waves of doubt, Hilary Putnam's version of the brain-in-a-vat sceptical problem, and a whole bundle of examples from the media, with a focus on the truman show and a horror platformer video game rendition of Alice in Wonderland.

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Email: coffeenphilosophy@gmail.com

Credit: At the very end of this episode I use audio from the following youtube video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBO5aO6iJlk&t=1120s .

This podcast is non-monetized so I make no financial benefit from the use of this snippet but felt it responsible to point out that this audio does not belong to me and is the property of American McGee, thus if there is any issue with my use of the audio I am happy to rectify the episode and reupload as necessary. I use the audio in the same way that the YouTuber MNHStudios - to highlight the wonderful voice acting of Roger Jackson as the cheshire cat. Also, to emphasise a point about the importance of scepticism.

In this episode I'll be going over the criticisms of the arguments explained in the last three episodes, and along the way going on some rambles involving unwarranted relationship advice, ill-advised pet names, nerdy songs, how much it sucks when a good tv show ends, and getting covered with ants.

content warning: discussion of death [12:23-15:49]