Outlines of Pyrrhonism by Sextus Empiricus
- 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) Divine revelation
B) Moral virtue
C) Suspension of judgment
D) Logical deduction
- 2. What does Sextus mean by 'isostheneia'?
A) Universal equality
B) Mathematical equivalence
C) Equal strength of opposing arguments
D) Physical balance
- 3. What is the skeptic's attitude toward appearances (phainomena)?
A) They accept appearances without belief about their reality
B) They ignore appearances entirely
C) They deny appearances completely
D) They consider appearances absolutely real
- 4. How does Sextus view the criterion problem?
A) He denies the existence of truth
B) He accepts sensory evidence as criterion
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) Suspension of judgment about causes
C) Belief in divine causation only
D) Acceptance of all causal claims
- 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) Action requires dogmatic belief
D) We can act according to appearances and customs
- 7. What is the role of opposition in Pyrrhonian practice?
A) To prove skepticism superior
B) To create equal arguments leading to suspension
C) To defeat all other philosophers
D) To establish positive doctrines
- 8. How does Sextus characterize dogmatists?
A) Anyone who speaks confidently
B) Only materialist philosophers
C) Those who make claims about non-evident things
D) All religious people
- 9. How does Sextus view ethical claims?
A) He suspends judgment about good and bad by nature
B) He denies any morality exists
C) He proposes a new ethical system
D) He accepts conventional morality absolutely
- 10. How does Sextus view the concept of time?
A) He suspends judgment about time's nature
B) He proves time is unreal
C) He defines time as mere convention
D) He accepts time as objectively real
- 11. What is the skeptic's attitude toward pleasure and pain?
A) They reject all pleasure
B) They seek maximum pleasure
C) They experience them but suspend judgment about their nature
D) They are indifferent to both
- 12. How does Sextus approach physical theories?
A) He rejects all physical inquiry
B) He opposes them with equal arguments
C) He accepts atomism as true
D) He creates his own physics
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