The Development of Skepticism: Clitomachus and the Academy
Table of contents
The Development of Skepticism: Clitomachus and the Academy
The Academy, a prominent philosophical institution in ancient Greece, underwent significant transformations during its early years. After Carneades (ca. 180 to ca. no B.C.), one of the most influential figures in the school’s history, another key figure emerged as the head of the Academy: Clitomachus, a Carthaginian philosopher who played a crucial role in shaping the institution’s development.
Context The Academy, founded by Plato (428-348 B.C.) and later led by his successors, including Arcesilaus and Carneades, was a hub of philosophical inquiry and debate. During this period, the Academy engaged with various intellectual traditions, including Stoicism, Epicureanism, and Scepticism. The school’s early history is characterized by internal debates, controversies, and significant developments in Sceptical thought.
Timeline
- Founding of the Academy (c. 387 B.C.): Plato establishes the Academy, marking the beginning of a long tradition of philosophical inquiry.
- Arcesilaus (c. 268-241 B.C.): The second head of the Academy introduces Sceptical ideas, emphasizing the limitations of knowledge and the importance of doubt.
- Carneades (ca. 180 to ca. no B.C.): A prominent Sceptic, Carneades further develops the school’s skeptical principles, focusing on the nature of probability and evidence.
- Clitomachus (fl. 1st century B.C.): As the head of the Academy after Carneades, Clitomachus writes extensively on Sceptical topics, including divination, magic, and astrology.
- The rise of Neoplatonism: In the 3rd century A.D., the Academy undergoes significant changes, with the emergence of Neoplatonic thought, which would eventually supplant Scepticism as the dominant philosophical tradition.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Skepticism: A philosophical stance that questions the nature of knowledge and reality. Skeptics argue that we can never be certain about anything.
- Probability: The degree to which a statement or event is likely to be true, based on available evidence.
- Academy: An ancient Greek philosophical school founded by Plato, dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
Key Figures and Groups
- Carneades: A prominent Sceptic who developed the principles of probability and skepticism within the Academy.
- Clitomachus: The Carthaginian philosopher who succeeded Carneades as the head of the Academy, known for his writings on Sceptical topics.
- Arcesilaus: The second head of the Academy, who introduced Sceptical ideas and emphasized the limitations of knowledge.
Mechanisms and Processes
The main argument(s) in this text can be broken down into several key points:
- Clitomachus’ principles were based on those of Carneades.
- Both philosophers rejected divination, magic, and astrology.
- They developed a constructive doctrine concerning degrees of probability.
- -> Clitomachus wrote over four hundred books, some in the Phoenician language.
- -> These works are now lost, making it difficult to reconstruct the doctrine from remaining hints.
Deep Background
The Academy, during its early years, was heavily influenced by various intellectual traditions. The school’s engagement with Stoicism and Epicureanism contributed significantly to the development of Sceptical thought. Additionally, the Academy’s internal debates and controversies played a crucial role in shaping the institution’s history.
Explanation and Importance
Clitomachus’ principles, based on those of Carneades, represented a significant contribution to Sceptical thought. The rejection of divination, magic, and astrology, as well as the development of a constructive doctrine concerning degrees of probability, demonstrate the importance of skepticism in understanding reality.
The strongest objections to Clitomachus’ views would likely arise from his critics, who might argue that his emphasis on probability undermines the pursuit of knowledge. However, many modern philosophers agree with Clitomachus’ assertion that probability should guide our actions, as it is reasonable to act on the most probable hypotheses.
Comparative Insight
A comparison with the Stoic philosopher Chrysippus (280-206 B.C.) highlights the differences between Sceptical and Stoic thought. While both schools rejected divination and magic, Stoicism placed greater emphasis on reason and the natural order of the universe. In contrast, Skepticism emphasized doubt and uncertainty as essential components of philosophical inquiry.
Extended Analysis
The Limits of Knowledge
- The relationship between knowledge and doubt is central to Sceptical thought.
- Clitomachus’ views on probability reflect his recognition of the limitations of knowledge.
Constructive Doctrine: Degrees of Probability
- This doctrine, developed by Clitomachus, represents a significant contribution to Sceptical thought.
- The emphasis on degrees of probability highlights the importance of nuanced thinking in understanding reality.
The Role of Writing in Philosophical Inquiry
- Clitomachus’ extensive writings on Sceptical topics demonstrate the value of written records in philosophical inquiry.
- The loss of these works serves as a reminder of the fragility of knowledge and the importance of documentation.
Quiz
Open Thinking Questions
- How do you think Clitomachus’ views on probability would be received by modern philosophers?
- What are the implications of rejecting divination, magic, and astrology for our understanding of reality?
- In what ways can skepticism inform our approach to knowledge and inquiry?
Conclusion
The development of Sceptical thought within the Academy, as represented by Clitomachus’ principles, demonstrates the importance of doubt and uncertainty in philosophical inquiry. The emphasis on probability highlights the limitations of knowledge and the need for nuanced thinking. While the loss of Clitomachus’ works poses challenges to reconstructing his doctrine, his contributions to Sceptical thought remain a significant part of philosophical heritage.