Our author ends on a depressing note that we cannot know anything and this should cause all of us despair.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: False
The statement that “our author ends on a depressing note that we cannot know anything and this should cause all of us despair” is false. This type of interpretation is often misunderstood when discussing philosophical skepticism or epistemological questions. Philosophers who explore the limits of human knowledge do not necessarily conclude that nothing can ever be known. Instead, they examine the reliability, sources, and boundaries of knowledge.
Many philosophers, such as René Descartes or David Hume, questioned how we come to know things. Descartes, for instance, began by doubting everything to see what, if anything, could withstand doubt. This did not lead him to conclude that knowledge was impossible. Instead, he found a foundational truth in the statement “I think, therefore I am.” This implies that while doubt can be used as a tool, it does not necessarily end in despair or the belief that knowledge is unattainable.
Even in skeptical traditions, such as Pyrrhonism or academic skepticism, the purpose is often to encourage humility and ongoing inquiry rather than resignation. Philosophers may argue that since certainty is rare or unattainable, we should rely on probability, reason, or practical outcomes when forming beliefs.
If an author appears to suggest that we cannot know anything, it is often a rhetorical strategy to emphasize the difficulty or complexity of achieving certain knowledge, not a final statement of hopelessness. In academic and philosophical contexts, the journey of questioning and learning is seen as valuable in itself, regardless of whether it yields absolute certainty.
Therefore, the idea that the author ends on a hopeless note suggesting despair is an incorrect and oversimplified reading. The actual message is more nuanced and often encourages continued reflection, critical thinking, and openness to multiple perspectives.