Outlines of Pyrrhonism by Sextus Empiricus - Test
- 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) Logical deduction
B) Divine revelation
C) Moral virtue
D) Suspension of judgment
- 2. What does Sextus mean by 'isostheneia'?
A) Equal strength of opposing arguments
B) Mathematical equivalence
C) Universal equality
D) Physical balance
- 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 proposes reason as the only criterion
C) He suspends judgment about any criterion of truth
D) He denies the existence of truth
- 5. What is the skeptic's approach to causation?
A) Belief in divine causation only
B) Acceptance of all causal claims
C) Suspension of judgment about causes
D) Denial of all causation
- 6. How does Sextus respond to the 'apraxia' objection (that skepticism makes action impossible)?
A) We can act according to appearances and customs
B) We should act randomly
C) Skepticism does require complete inaction
D) Action requires dogmatic belief
- 7. What is the role of opposition in Pyrrhonian practice?
A) To establish positive doctrines
B) To create equal arguments leading to suspension
C) To defeat all other philosophers
D) To prove skepticism superior
- 8. How does Sextus characterize dogmatists?
A) Only materialist philosophers
B) All religious people
C) Those who make claims about non-evident things
D) Anyone who speaks confidently
- 9. How does Sextus view ethical claims?
A) He suspends judgment about good and bad by nature
B) He accepts conventional morality absolutely
C) He proposes a new ethical system
D) He denies any morality exists
- 10. How does Sextus view the concept of time?
A) He defines time as mere convention
B) He suspends judgment about time's nature
C) He accepts time as objectively real
D) He proves time is unreal
- 11. What is the skeptic's attitude toward pleasure and pain?
A) They reject all pleasure
B) They experience them but suspend judgment about their nature
C) They are indifferent to both
D) They seek maximum pleasure
- 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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