Sextus Empiricus

Definition

Sextus Empiricus was a prominent philosopher of the Hellenistic period known for his contributions to skepticism, particularly through his works 'Outlines of Pyrrhonism' and 'Against the Mathematicians.' His ideas emphasize the importance of withholding judgment and suspending belief in the pursuit of knowledge, which was a significant shift in philosophical thought during this time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sextus Empiricus is often regarded as the most important ancient skeptic, and his works significantly shaped later philosophical thought, especially in medieval and modern skepticism.
2. He argued against dogmatic philosophies, suggesting that because humans are fallible, one should withhold belief in absolute truths.
3. Sextus's writings highlight the practice of mental tranquility achieved by recognizing the limitations of human perception and understanding.
4. His influence extended beyond philosophy into the realms of science and medicine, where his ideas about empirical observation and uncertainty resonated.
5. Sextus Empiricus's skepticism set the groundwork for later philosophers such as René Descartes, who grappled with issues of certainty and doubt in knowledge.

Review Questions

• How did Sextus Empiricus contribute to the development of skepticism in the Hellenistic period?
  • Sextus Empiricus played a crucial role in developing skepticism during the Hellenistic period by articulating the principles of Pyrrhonism and emphasizing the importance of withholding judgment. His works challenged dogmatic beliefs held by philosophers of his time and encouraged a more critical approach to knowledge. By advocating for mental tranquility through suspended beliefs, Sextus provided a framework for questioning established truths that influenced later philosophical thought.
• What are the main arguments presented by Sextus Empiricus against dogmatic philosophies, and how do these arguments reflect the overall philosophical climate of his time?
  • Sextus Empiricus argued that dogmatic philosophies claimed absolute truths without sufficient evidence, which he believed was inherently flawed due to human fallibility. He emphasized that because perceptions can be misleading, one should suspend judgment on claims of knowledge. This reflects the broader philosophical climate of the Hellenistic period, where questioning established doctrines became a significant trend, leading to greater emphasis on personal experience and empirical observation.
• Evaluate the impact of Sextus Empiricus's skepticism on modern philosophy and science.
  • The impact of Sextus Empiricus's skepticism on modern philosophy and science is profound, as it laid the groundwork for critical thinking and empirical methods. His insistence on questioning certainties influenced later philosophers like Descartes, who grappled with doubt as a means to establish knowledge. In science, his ideas about empirical observation resonate with contemporary scientific methods that prioritize evidence over unfounded beliefs, promoting an ongoing dialogue about the nature of knowledge and certainty.

Related terms

Skepticism: A philosophical approach that questions the possibility of certainty in knowledge, advocating for the suspension of judgment.

Pyrrhonism: A school of skepticism founded by Pyrrho that teaches the idea of achieving peace of mind by suspending beliefs about knowledge.

Academy: An ancient school of philosophy founded by Plato that continued to influence philosophical thought during the Hellenistic period, including the development of skepticism.