Infinitism is a school of thought in epistemology that offers a unique perspective on the theory of justification. It proposes that beliefs are justified by an infinite chain of reasons. This infinite regression, far from being a problem, is seen as the solution to the issue of justification. In simple terms, each belief is supported by another belief, which in turn is supported by another, ad infinitum.
The core idea of Infinitism challenges more conventional philosophies by rejecting the notion of foundational beliefs or coherent sets that explain others. Instead, it argues that knowledge and justified beliefs require an endless sequence of reasons. This infinite progression avoids the perceived pitfalls of both foundationalism, which relies on basic beliefs without the need for further justification, and coherentism, which depends on the mutual support of beliefs within a system.
Infinitism works by suggesting that each piece of knowledge or belief must be supported by another one, forming an infinite chain of reasoning. This chain keeps extending indefinitely, which, according to Infinitists, is not a flaw but rather the natural state of epistemic justification. The belief is that in such an infinite chain, no singular belief stands without support, allowing for robust and unfailing justification.
In a typical example, if you were to justify why you believe that it is raining outside, you might first cite the evidence of seeing rain. To justify your reliance on visual evidence, you might cite another belief about the reliability of sensory data. Each subsequent justification leads to more beliefs, stretching endlessly, but always substantively connected.
The most intriguing aspect of Infinitism is its embrace of infinity in justification. While infinity can seem impractical in other contexts, Infinitist philosophers argue that it mirrors our intellectual and cognitive expansiveness. Consider the nature of scientific inquiry, where each answer often opens the door to further questions. Infinitism reflects this never-ending pursuit of knowledge.
Another fascinating element is how Infinitism turns the problem of infinite regression—a challenge in other theories—into its main advantage. It provides a radical yet intuitive perspective: knowledge is continuously expanding and evolving, ever-elusive like the horizon.
Yet, this notion may seem counterintuitive to our everyday practice of knowledge and belief assessment, which generally seeks concrete ends and certainties. Infinitism's allure lies in its alignment with an intellectual humility, acknowledging that perhaps all claims lead to more inquiry rather than absolute truth.
One of the significant strengths of Infinitism is its address of epistemic humility—a vital acknowledgment that human knowledge might be forever incomplete. It avoids dogmatism by not resting on unchallengeable foundational beliefs, encouraging constant questioning and evaluation.
Infinitism also offers a dynamic framework for understanding knowledge, suggesting that exploration and inquiry are part and parcel of learning rather than problems to be solved. This resonates with scientific and philosophical open-mindedness, where the quest for truth is seen as an ongoing process.
Critics of Infinitism often argue its impracticality. An infinite regress of reasons might appear intellectually stimulating but is difficult to employ in practical decision-making. For many, it seems implausible to engage in indefinitely extending reasoning chains for everyday beliefs.
Furthermore, opponents contend that Infinitism offers no secure stopping point—no moment at which someone can confidently say they "know" something. This raises questions about its applicability outside theoretical discussions, where conclusions and decisions are necessary.
The most notable advocate of Infinitism is Peter D. Klein, a contemporary philosopher who has extensively worked to elaborate on and defend the theory. His contributions have significantly shaped modern discussions of Infinitism, although the theory has historical roots and intersections with earlier philosophical inquiries into infinite regress.
Infinitism doesn't feature prominently in popular culture, possibly due to its abstract nature and the complexity of its ideas. However, the broader concept of continuous pursuit—endless exploration and open-ended inquiry—is reflected in various cultural narratives, particularly within speculative fiction and explorative sciences, where the search for knowledge knows no bounds.