Infinite regress

An endless sequence in which each explanation, cause, or justification depends on a further one of the same kind. It is often discussed as a challenge to explanation and justification.

Regress argument: An argument that uses an endless sequence of dependencies to challenge a claim or theory. It turns an infinite chain of explanations or justifications into a structured objection.
Causal chain: A sequence of events in which each event helps bring about a later one. An endless chain of causes is one familiar form of regress.
Agrippa's trilemma: A skeptical argument that justification ends in infinite regress, circularity, or an unsupported assumption. It presents regress as one of three apparent fates for attempts to justify beliefs.
Infinitism: The epistemological view that a belief can be justified by an infinite, nonrepeating chain of reasons. It accepts an endless justificatory chain rather than treating it as automatically defective.
Vicious regress: An infinite regress that undermines the purpose or possibility of the explanations it requires. This is the problematic form, where each required step leaves the original task incomplete.
Explanation: An account that makes a fact or event intelligible by identifying reasons, causes, or underlying structures. Regress can arise when each explanation requires another explanation of the same kind.
Cosmological argument: An argument for God's existence that reasons from the existence or contingency of the universe. Its defenders and critics debate whether causes can extend infinitely into the past.
Coherentism: The view that beliefs are justified through their mutual fit within a coherent system. It replaces a one-way chain of support with a network of mutually supporting beliefs.
Benign infinite regress: An infinite regress whose endless structure does not undermine the claim or process involved. Some endless chains are harmless, unlike regresses that prevent an explanation or justification.
Justification: The reasons or evidence that support a belief, claim, or action. A justificatory regress occurs when every supporting reason requires further support.

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