Define Modest foundationalism.

Modest foundationalism is an epistemological position that seeks to establish a foundational basis for knowledge without asserting absolute certainty. This approach acknowledges the need for foundational beliefs or basic principles upon which our knowledge is built but does not claim that these foundations are immune to doubt or revision. Modest foundationalism is a middle ground between dogmatic foundationalism, which posits indubitable and infallible foundational beliefs, and radical skepticism, which questions the possibility of any secure foundations for knowledge.

In modest foundationalism, basic beliefs serve as starting points for our epistemic framework. These beliefs are considered properly basic and do not require further justification. However, unlike dogmatic foundationalism, modest foundationalists recognize that these foundational beliefs may be revisable in light of new evidence or rational reflection. Modest foundationalism allows for a more flexible and fallibilistic approach to foundational beliefs, promoting openness to critical examination and refinement while still providing a stable starting point for our cognitive endeavors. This position is often associated with philosophers who aim to reconcile the need for foundational support with a recognition of the fallibility of human knowledge.