Hard Problem of Skepticism

The infinite regress of doubt. Philosophical skepticism questions the reliability of all knowledge claims—senses, memory, reason. The hard problem is that this doubt must eventually apply to skepticism itself. If you doubt everything, on what foundation do you stand to announce your doubt? The skeptical argument is a tool that, when used universally, saws off the branch it's sitting on. This leads to the paralysis of aporia (a state of perpetual questioning with no answers) or a pragmatic, unprincipled exception where you arbitrarily stop doubting just to function, thereby abandoning the very rigor that defined skepticism.

Example: A radical skeptic says, "I can't trust my senses; I might be a brain in a vat." You ask, "Then how do you know the concept of a 'brain in a vat' is valid? How do you know logic itself is reliable?" They must use their untrustworthy reasoning to justify their doubt about reasoning. The hard problem: Pure skepticism is a mental black hole—it consumes every proposition, including the proposition that propositions should be consumed. To live, the skeptic must quietly assume the world is roughly as it seems, making their skepticism a theatrical performance for intellectual circles, not a livable philosophy. Hard Problem of Skepticism.

Hard Problem of Skepticism by Enkigal January 24, 2026

Hard Problem of Skepticism

The self-devouring realization that consistent, radical skepticism leads to the paralysis of not being able to trust any knowledge, including the knowledge that skepticism is a valid approach. If you doubt everything, on what grounds do you justify the act of doubting? The hard problem is that skepticism is a powerful tool for clearing intellectual weeds, but it eventually turns on the garden it's supposed to protect, leaving no ground to stand on.

Example: "She was such a pure skeptic she doubted her own senses, memories, and the laws of physics. The hard problem of skepticism hit when she tried to explain her philosophy: to communicate, she had to assume language, logic, and my ability to understand—all things her skepticism supposedly rejected. She just sighed deeply."

Hard Problem of Skepticism by Abzugal January 30, 2026

Cheeks 

An Irish phrase meaning shit, derived from ass
(Not to be confused with the literal description of one's buttocks)

"Did you hear the song Aylek$ dropped?"
"Hardly. Her music is absolute cheeks."

"My boyfriend say LaFlame is cheeks."
"Tell your boyfriend I said it's his mixtape that's cheeks."

Cheeks by thecartisan April 26, 2020

sans sheriff 

Lawless use of fonts or typography, with no regard to aesthetics or legibility

I'm putting this CV straight in the bin. Written totally sans sheriff.

sans sheriff by Jamarley July 3, 2019

Breadhead 

Someone who is addicted to obtaining money and building wealth. A money addict and fanatic. Breadheads often work more than one full-time job, and some even participate in illicit activities to "obtain the bread".

A breadhead is like a crackhead, but for money instead of crack.

Breadhead by 🅱️ U S 3 4 8 March 30, 2022

Stink lines

As seen in illustrations or cartoons: Wavy, vertical lines rising above a person, place or thing. Denotes a foul odor.

"You didn't put enough stink lines on your picture of the teacher."

Stink lines by Athene Airheart March 14, 2004

schmegegge 

Yiddish slang word meaning bullshit, baloney, hogwash, nonsense, crock of shit or hot air.

I don't buy the schmegegge about Morty sleeping with Moira.
His version of the story was pure schmegegge.
The whole schmegegge was made up to get Liz a little bit of attention.

schmegegge by budsbabe February 1, 2008