The Toils of Scepticism

The topic of this book is the major argument-forms of the Greek sceptic, Sextus Empiricus.

Jonathan Barnes (Author)

9780521383394, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 27 July 1990

176 pages, 2 b/w illus.
22.4 x 14.4 x 1.9 cm, 0.34 kg

In the works of Sextus Empiricus, scepticism is presented in its most elaborate and challenging form. This book investigates - both from an exegetical and from a philosophical point of view - the chief argumentative forms which ancient scepticism developed. Thus the particular focus is on the Agrippan aspect of Sextus' Pyrrhonism. Barnes gives a lucid explanation and analysis of these arguments, both individually and as constituent parts of a sceptical system. For, taken together, these forms amount to a formidable and systematic challenge to any claim to knowledge or rational belief. The challenge had a great influence on the history of philosophy. And it has never been met. This study reflects the growing interest in ancient scepticism. Quotations from the ancient sources are all translated and Greek terms are explained. Notes on the ancient authors give a brief guide to the sources, both familiar and unfamiliar.

Introduction
1. Disagreement
2. Infinite regression
3. Reciprocity
4. Hypotheses
5. The sceptic's net
Note on the ancient authors
Index of passages
Index of persons
Index of Greek terms
Index of subjects.

Subject Areas: Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500 [HPCA]