 In keeping with this style of argument, Carneades prepared the way for his theory of probability by setting out an epistemological framework which, though obviously indebted to Stoic views, was intended to capture intuitions that were more widely shared. In this broadly foundationalist framework it is natural to look for a criterion of truth where the Stoics and other Hellenistic philosophers do, viz. among self-evident impressions of sense (S.E. M 7.159–65 = L&amp;S 70A). Yet the Academy’s arguments against cognitive impressions seem to have shown that no such impressions are to be found. With the aid of his account of probability, Carneades undertook to show that, after all, they are not needed. Rational action and inquiry are possible without the foundation that cognitive impressions promised to provide because probable impressions can serve in their place. And if this is right, or if it is sufficiently plausible, the Stoics’ attempt to provide indirect support for their contentions about the cognitive impression by showing that there are no satisfactory alternatives will fail.