Skepticism

Skepticism

A philosophical school emphasizing doubt and rejecting claims of moral certainty.

Skepticism's Main Belief

There is no moral certainty, so everything should be questioned.

Pyrrho

Founder of Skepticism who emphasized the suspension of judgment and was influenced by Eastern thought.

Pyrrhonism

A skeptical approach that emphasizes suspending judgment and finding tranquility through doubt.

Suspension of Judgment

The practice of withholding judgment when certainty cannot be established.

Skepticism and Tranquility

Doubt and suspension of judgment can bring peace by avoiding endless debates and claims of certainty.

Appearance vs. Judgment

Skepticism distinguishes how something appears from the judgment that the appearance represents objective truth.

Ten Methods of Skepticism

Methods that compare differing perceptions and circumstances to show why certainty is difficult.

Differences in the Ten Methods

Differences can occur among animals, people, sensory perception, circumstances, positions, mixtures, quantities, relations, frequency, customs, laws, and religious beliefs.

Skepticism and Ethics

Skepticism can lead toward relativism, where customs are used instead of an objective morality.