A Revival of Skepticism: Aenesidemus and the Sceptical Tradition
Table of contents
A Revival of Skepticism: Aenesidemus and the Sceptical Tradition
Overview
Skepticism, a philosophical position that questions the possibility of knowledge, has its roots in ancient Greece. The revival of skepticism in the 1st century AD is attributed to Aenesidemus, a Cretan philosopher who rejected the probabilistic approach advocated by Carneades and returned to the earliest forms of skepticism.
Context
In the 3rd century BC, Academic Skepticism emerged as a dominant force in Greek philosophy. The school’s founder, Arcesilaus, was followed by Lacydes and Carneades, who developed a probabilistic approach to knowledge. However, this tradition declined with the rise of Stoicism and Epicureanism.
Timeline
- 3rd century BC: Academic Skepticism emerges under Arcesilaus.
- 1st century AD: Aenesidemus revives skepticism in its earliest forms.
- 2nd century AD: Lucian, a poet and philosopher, is influenced by Aenesidemus’ ideas.
- 2nd-3rd centuries AD: Sextus Empiricus, the only surviving Sceptic philosopher, writes his works.
Key Terms and Concepts
Skepticism
Skepticism is a philosophical position that questions the possibility of knowledge. Skeptics argue that our senses are unreliable and that we can never be certain about the external world.
Academic Skepticism
Academic skepticism emerged in ancient Greece as a response to dogmatic philosophy. Academics sought to establish a middle ground between dogmatism and skepticism, advocating for a probabilistic approach to knowledge.
Probabilism
Probabilism is a philosophical position that holds that knowledge can be established through probability rather than certainty. This approach was advocated by Carneades but rejected by Aenesidemus.
Dogmatism
Dogmatism is a philosophical position that asserts the existence of certain knowledge without doubt or skepticism. In ancient Greece, dogmatic philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle were influential in shaping the intellectual landscape.
Key Figures and Groups
Aenesidemus
Aenesidemus was a Cretan philosopher who revived skepticism in its earliest forms. His exact dates are unknown, but his influence on Lucian and Sextus Empiricus is well-documented.
Carneades
Carneades was an Academic Skeptic who developed a probabilistic approach to knowledge. He argued that knowledge can be established through probability rather than certainty.
Sextus Empiricus
Sextus Empiricus, the only surviving Sceptic philosopher, wrote extensively on skepticism. His works include “Against the Professors” and “Against the Dogmatists”.
Mechanisms and Processes
Aenesidemus’ revival of skepticism involved a rejection of Carneades’ probabilistic approach. Aenesidemus argued that:
- Our senses are unreliable, and we can never be certain about the external world.
- Knowledge is impossible to establish through probability or certainty.
- Skepticism should return to its earliest forms, which emphasized doubt and uncertainty.
Deep Background
The revival of skepticism in ancient Greece reflects a broader intellectual movement that questioned dogmatic philosophy. The Hellenistic Period, marked by the rise of Stoicism and Epicureanism, saw a decline in Academic Skepticism. However, Aenesidemus’ revival of skepticism signaled a return to the earliest forms of skepticism.
Explanation and Importance
Aenesidemus’ revival of skepticism has significant implications for our understanding of knowledge and epistemology. His rejection of probabilistic approaches highlights the importance of doubt and uncertainty in philosophical inquiry.
Comparative Insight
Compared to other philosophers, Aenesidemus’ ideas share similarities with Pyrrhonian Skepticism, which emphasizes doubt and uncertainty. However, Aenesidemus’ revival of skepticism also differs from Academic Skepticism in its rejection of probabilistic approaches.
Extended Analysis
The Significance of Aenesidemus
Aenesidemus’ revival of skepticism marked a significant turning point in the history of philosophy. His ideas influenced Lucian and Sextus Empiricus, shaping the development of Scepticism in ancient Greece.
The Role of Probabilism
Probabilism played a crucial role in Aenesidemus’ rejection of Academic Skepticism. However, his return to the earliest forms of skepticism highlights the limitations of probabilistic approaches to knowledge.
The Legacy of Aenesidemus
Aenesidemus’ legacy extends beyond ancient Greece. His ideas influenced later philosophers and continue to shape contemporary debates on skepticism and epistemology.
Sextus Empiricus: The Last Sceptic
Sextus Empiricus, the only surviving Sceptic philosopher, wrote extensively on skepticism. His works provide valuable insights into Aenesidemus’ revival of skepticism and its significance in the history of philosophy.
Quiz
Open Thinking Questions
- What are the implications of Aenesidemus’ rejection of probabilistic approaches for our understanding of knowledge?
- How does Sextus Empiricus’ work relate to Aenesidemus’ revival of skepticism?
- In what ways do Pyrrhonian Skepticism and Academic Skepticism differ in their approach to knowledge?
Conclusion
Aenesidemus’ revival of skepticism marked a significant turning point in the history of philosophy. His rejection of probabilistic approaches highlights the importance of doubt and uncertainty in philosophical inquiry. The legacy of Aenesidemus extends beyond ancient Greece, influencing later philosophers and shaping contemporary debates on skepticism and epistemology.