Question

What does the author mean by the terms 'infinite regress' or 'vicious circle' in this passage?

• A. Certain matters of fact and certain principles of inference should not stand in need of extraneous evidence
• B. These terms are involved with Matters of facts and principles of inference which might make the process unsatisfactory
• C. Evidence supporting Principles of inference and matter of facts
• D. Principles of matter supporting matter of facts and matter of facts supporting principles of matter in a circular manner.

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Evidence supporting Principles of inference and matter of facts

This is a very simple data based question. Have a look at these lines -

"It is obvious that this process is unsatisfactory unless we know the matters of fact and the principles of inference not merely by means of evidence, for otherwise we become involved in a vicious circle or an endless regress”.

"We may then say that what is known consists, first, of certain matters of fact and certain principles of inference, neither of which stands in need of extraneous evidence”.

The author states that matters of fact and principles of inference must not be known in terms of evidence or evidence should not be used to support matters of fact and principles of inference. If this happens (i.e. evidence is used to support matters of fact or principles of inference, we will be involved in a vicious circle or an endless regress).

The correct answer is option (c).

Option (d) defines what infinite regress is but that is not the way author defines it.

Option (a) is exactly the opposite answer.

Option (b) is too generic and does not define what is infinite regress.