ABSTRACT
This chapter defends the first step of a two-part argument for phenomenal conservatism. It argues that at least some seemings are foundational evidence for their content. Building off the work of Michael Huemer and early modern philosopher Thomas Reid, the author gives four arguments for this conclusion. First, denying it leads to skepticism. Second, denying it is self-defeating. Third, it seems true. Fourth, it is a constitutive principle of rationality—in other words, implicit trust in how things seem is so integral to rational belief formation that, if one refuses to do it altogether, then one ceases to function as a rational agent at all.
