Overview

Foundationalism is a theory of epistemic justification which posits that there are two types of beliefs: basic beliefs (which are self-justifying or justified non-inferentially) and non-basic beliefs (which derive their justification from basic beliefs).

Core Idea

The core idea is that knowledge must have a solid foundation to avoid an infinite regress of justification. Like a building, the upper stories (derived beliefs) rest on a foundation (basic beliefs).

Formal Definition

Foundationalism is the view that the structure of justified belief is such that all justified beliefs are either foundational (basic) or derived from foundational beliefs via a chain of justification.

Intuition

If you ask “Why do you believe C?” and the answer is “Because of B,” and then “Why B?” -> “Because of A.” Eventually, you must reach a point where the answer is “I just see it” or “It is self-evident.” You cannot keep asking “Why?” forever.

Examples

  • Descartes’ Foundation: “I think, therefore I am” was a foundational belief for Descartes—something that could not be doubted.
  • Sensory Experience: For many empiricist foundationalists, “I am in pain” or “I see red” are basic beliefs justified directly by experience.
  • Axioms in Geometry: Euclidean geometry is built on a set of axioms (foundations) from which theorems are derived.

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: Foundations must be absolutely certain and infallible.
    • Correction: “Modest foundationalism” allows that basic beliefs can be fallible (e.g., perceptual beliefs) but still provide a starting point.
  • Misconception: Foundationalism requires a very small number of basic beliefs.
    • Correction: The set of basic beliefs can be quite large (e.g., all current perceptual beliefs).
  • Coherentism: The view that justification comes from the mutual support of beliefs, not a foundation.
  • Infinite Regress: The problem that arises if every belief requires another belief to justify it.
  • Basic Beliefs: Beliefs that do not depend on other beliefs for their justification.

Applications

  • Mathematics: Axiomatic systems are foundationalist in structure.
  • Computer Science: Root of trust in security systems.
  • Theology: “Reformed Epistemology” argues that belief in God can be properly basic.

Criticism and Limitations

  • Arbitrariness: Critics ask what makes a belief “basic.” If there is a reason, it’s not basic; if there isn’t, it seems arbitrary.
  • Sellars’ Dilemma: The “Myth of the Given”—attacking the idea that non-conceptual sensory input can justify conceptual beliefs.
  • Fallibility: If foundations can be wrong, the whole structure can collapse.

Further Reading

  • Meditations on First Philosophy by René Descartes
  • Perception and the External World by Roderick Chisholm
  • Epistemic Justification by Laurence BonJour (for a critique)