Regress argument

The regress argument (also known as the diallelus (Latin) or diallelon, from Greek di allelon 'through or by means of one another') is a problem in epistemology and, in general, a problem in any situation where a statement has to be justified. The philosopher's logical tranquillity is thus in essence no other than the boor's. They differ only as to the point at which each refuses to let further considerations upset the absoluteness of the data he assumes. The regress argument (also known as the diallelus (Latin) or diallelon, from Greek di allelon 'through or by means of one another') is a problem in epistemology and, in general, a problem in any situation where a statement has to be justified. According to this argument, any proposition requires a justification. However, any justification itself requires support. This means that any proposition whatsoever can be endlessly (infinitely) questioned. The argument is usually attributed to Sextus Empiricus, and has been restated by Agrippa as part of what has become known as 'Agrippa's trilemma'. The argument can be seen as a response to the suggestion in Plato's Theaetetus that knowledge is justified true belief.