Phenomenal conservatism

In epistemology, phenomenal conservatism (PC) holds that it is reasonable to assume that things are as they appear, except when there are positive grounds for doubting this. (The term derives from the Greek word "phainomenon", meaning "appearance".)

The principle was initially defended in Huemer 2001, where it was formulated as follows:

A later formulation, designed to allow the principle to encompass inferential as well as foundational justification, reads as follows.

Phenomenal conservatism has been defended on three grounds.

Critics of phenomenal conservatism have argued:

In addition, as a form of foundationalism, PC is open to some of the common objections to that doctrine.

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