If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

Main content

Epistemology: The Epistemic Regress Problem

"But why?" In this Wireless Philosophy video, Kevin McCain (University of Alabama at Birmingham) explains the Epistemic Regress Problem. The epistemic regress problem arises from the need to give a reason for your belief, a reason for that reason, and so on. After explaining the problem, he explains how the problem has been used to argue in favor of skepticism, and discusses three possible solutions to the problem.

Want to join the conversation?

  • female robot grace style avatar for user tw486364
    Is this why they say not to question the content in the Bible?
    Have Faith that it is the Word of God and trust that it has not been altered.
    But the Bible was written long after the corruption of Adam. So how could man have not corrupted that too?
    We are not even going to get into the translation of it all.
    (2 votes)
    Default Khan Academy avatar avatar for user
    • female robot ada style avatar for user Angelica Chen
      Anyone who follows the Bible can just argue that all the people who have translated the official versions and written the books that we have now were guided by God as they did it. In fact, that is what many believers think about it. Perhaps you could go to a local church and discuss religion with one of the priests. Just remember to be truthful about why you are there, respectful to the beliefs of others, and inquisitive when you are curious about something.
      (2 votes)

Video transcript