- 1. Outlines of Pyrrhonism, a pivotal work by the ancient Greek philosopher Sextus Empiricus, serves as a foundational text for the skeptical school of thought known as Pyrrhonism. In this comprehensive treatise, Sextus expounds upon the principles and practices of skepticism as established by Pyrrho of Elis, detailing how one can achieve tranquility (ataraxia) through the suspension of judgment (epoché) regarding non-evident matters. The work is structured into three main sections, where Sextus examines the limits of human knowledge, critiques dogmatic philosophies, and elucidates the practical implications of adopting a skeptical approach to belief and knowledge. He articulates the significance of recognizing the relativity of all perceptions and judgments, arguing that such recognition leads to an inner peace untroubled by the uncertainties of existence. Sextus's meticulous arguments and systematic questioning invite readers to challenge their own certainties and engage in a philosophical exploration that prioritizes inquiry over conviction, ultimately advocating for a lifestyle of moderation and intellectual humility. Outlines of Pyrrhonism remains influential not only in philosophical discourse but also in shaping modern considerations of skepticism and the nature of belief.
What does 'epoché' refer to in Pyrrhonism?
A) Suspension of judgment
B) Moral virtue
C) Divine revelation
D) Logical deduction
- 2. What does Sextus mean by 'isostheneia'?
A) Equal strength of opposing arguments
B) Mathematical equivalence
C) Physical balance
D) Universal equality
- 3. What is the skeptic's attitude toward appearances (phainomena)?
A) They deny appearances completely
B) They consider appearances absolutely real
C) They accept appearances without belief about their reality
D) They ignore appearances entirely
- 4. How does Sextus view the criterion problem?
A) He accepts sensory evidence as criterion
B) He denies the existence of truth
C) He proposes reason as the only criterion
D) He suspends judgment about any criterion of truth
- 5. What is the skeptic's approach to causation?
A) Denial of all causation
B) Acceptance of all causal claims
C) Suspension of judgment about causes
D) Belief in divine causation only
- 6. How does Sextus respond to the 'apraxia' objection (that skepticism makes action impossible)?
A) Skepticism does require complete inaction
B) We should act randomly
C) We can act according to appearances and customs
D) Action requires dogmatic belief
- 7. What is the role of opposition in Pyrrhonian practice?
A) To defeat all other philosophers
B) To establish positive doctrines
C) To create equal arguments leading to suspension
D) To prove skepticism superior
- 8. How does Sextus characterize dogmatists?
A) Those who make claims about non-evident things
B) All religious people
C) Anyone who speaks confidently
D) Only materialist philosophers
- 9. How does Sextus view ethical claims?
A) He denies any morality exists
B) He suspends judgment about good and bad by nature
C) He accepts conventional morality absolutely
D) He proposes a new ethical system
- 10. How does Sextus view the concept of time?
A) He proves time is unreal
B) He defines time as mere convention
C) He accepts time as objectively real
D) He suspends judgment about time's nature
- 11. What is the skeptic's attitude toward pleasure and pain?
A) They reject all pleasure
B) They are indifferent to both
C) They experience them but suspend judgment about their nature
D) They seek maximum pleasure
- 12. How does Sextus approach physical theories?
A) He opposes them with equal arguments
B) He creates his own physics
C) He rejects all physical inquiry
D) He accepts atomism as true
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