Academic Skepticism in Hume and Kant: A Ciceronian Critique of Metaphysics

This book explores the influence of the New Platonic Academy on David Humes and Immanuel Kants critiques of metaphysics, showing how the skeptical teachings of the Academy affected their Enlightened attacks on traditional metaphysics. It bolsters the recognition that the revival of Pyrrhonism in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries did not give birth to Modern skepticism, and that Academic skepticism had a significant influence on Humes and Kants work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 27 February 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book presents an unparalleled exploration of the profound impact of the skepticism of the New Platonic Academy on the critiques of metaphysics offered by David Humes and Immanuel Kant. By showcasing how the skeptical doctrines of the Academy influenced these influential thinkers' Enlightened attacks on traditional metaphysics, this work not only deepens and expands the growing scholarship on the role of ancient schools of skepticism in shaping modern skeptical outlooks but also reinforces the emerging understanding that we must reassess the conventional notion that the revival of Pyrrhonism in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries gave rise to modern skepticism. By incorporating the influence of Academic skepticism into the analysis, the author aims to provide a fresh impetus to this line of research.

Through a meticulous examination of Humes' theory of belief in the Treatise and the first Enquiry, as well as its application in the Dialogues concerning Natural Religion, the author demonstrates the centrality of Academic skepticism to Humes' epistemology and critique of religion. Moreover, her analysis unveils how Kant's anti-metaphysical stance, articulated in the Transcendental Dialectic of the Critique of Pure Reason, draws upon many skeptical insights of Academic inspiration, which Hume passed on to him.

This groundbreaking work not only sheds light on the intricate connections between skepticism and metaphysics but also contributes to our understanding of the development of modern philosophical thought. It underscores the importance of reassessing our assumptions about the origins and evolution of skepticism and highlights the valuable insights that can be gained by exploring the interplay between different philosophical traditions. By doing so, this book offers valuable insights into the complex and dynamic relationship between skepticism and metaphysics, paving the way for further research and exploration in this field.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030897529
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022