How to Be a Pyrrhonist: The Practice and Significance of Pyrrhonian Skepticism

This important volume brings together Richard Bett's essays on ancient Pyrrhonism, examining its self-presentation, argumentative procedures, and practical implications, showing how it raises questions that matter to us today.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 279 pages
\n Publication date: 08 April 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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This significant volume presents a collection of Richard Bett's essays on ancient Pyrrhonism, offering readers a deeper comprehension of the fundamental principles of this philosophical school. The book delves into various aspects of Pyrrhonism, including its self-presentation strategies, such as its writing style, its inclination to showcase its uniqueness, and its use of humor. It also examines Pyrrhonism's argumentative approaches to specific topics, such as signs, space, and the Modes. Furthermore, the volume explores the practical implications of living as a Pyrrhonist, encompassing the ethical outlook that Pyrrhonism might permit and the overall character of a skeptical life. It also highlights how Pyrrhonism frequently raises questions that remain relevant to us today, both in our daily lives and in our philosophical contemplation.

Self-Presentation:
Pyrrhonism sought to present itself as a distinctive and unique philosophical school. It employed various strategies to emphasize its distinctiveness, such as its distinctive writing style, its emphasis on showing how special it was, and its use of humor. These self-presentation tactics aimed to distinguish Pyrrhonism from other philosophical schools and attract followers.

Argumentative Procedures:
Pyrrhonism had a systematic approach to argumentation. It employed a series of argumentative procedures, such as signs, space, and the Modes, to address philosophical questions. These procedures were designed to provide a clear and logical framework for reasoning and to avoid the pitfalls of traditional philosophical methods.

Ethical Outlook:
Living as a Pyrrhonist involved adopting an ethical outlook that was based on the principles of skepticism. Pyrrhonists believed that ethical decisions should be based on evidence and reason rather than on traditional moral principles or religious beliefs. They emphasized the importance of living a life of inquiry and self-examination, seeking to understand the nature of reality and to make informed decisions based on empirical evidence.

Character of a Skeptical Life:
The character of a skeptical life was characterized by a commitment to inquiry and self-examination. Pyrrhonists believed that the pursuit of truth was the ultimate goal and that skepticism was a means to achieve this goal. They lived a life of questioning and exploring, seeking to understand the nature of reality and to develop a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Feasibility and Desirability:
The feasibility and desirability of a skeptical life are subjects of debate within the Pyrrhonist community. Some argue that a skeptical life is feasible and desirable, while others argue that it is not. Pyrrhonists themselves recognize that their philosophical approach may not be universally applicable or desirable, and they emphasize the importance of individual inquiry and self-examination.

Questions that Matter to Us Today:
Pyrrhonism raises questions that are relevant to us today, both in our everyday lives and in our philosophical reflection. For example, Pyrrhonism questions the nature of truth and the validity of our beliefs. It also raises questions about the role of reason and evidence in making ethical decisions and the nature of human nature.

\n Weight: 408g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 19 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108457064\n \n