Skepticism Notes

The word "Skepticism" originates from a Greek word signifying "to reflect on," "consider," or "examine." It is associated with doubting or suspending judgment.
Skepticism is a philosophical approach that questions the validity of knowledge, truth, understanding of the world, and reality.
Skeptics argue that our knowledge is always uncertain, and we should be cautious in accepting knowledge claims.

Pyrrho of Elis (360-270 BC): Founder of Greek Skepticism.
Pyrrho's skepticism was influenced by the Sophists, who believed that all knowledge is subjective and relative, implying there is no absolute or common knowledge.
Gorgias of Leontini (c. 483-375 BC): A Sophist who articulated skepticism through three theses:
- (i) Nothing exists.
- (ii) If something did exist, we could never know it.
- (iii) If we could know it, we could never express it.
Pyrrho and his followers taught that nothing whatsoever is certain; therefore, the wise person will suspend judgment on all matters.

(1) Global Skepticism:
- Argues that we can know nothing.
(2) Local or Mitigated Skepticism:
- Questions the possibility of knowledge only in particular areas of study.
- Example: One can be a local skeptic about moral knowledge or scientific knowledge.

The following are key features of skepticism:
- (i) Doubt
- (ii) Uncertainty
- (iii) Critical Thinking
- Fallibilism: Our knowledge can be mistaken.