A stance that expresses some doubt about the possibility of reaching objective cognition is called
scepticism. In the history of philosophy positive features of
scepticism were considered to be that it can stimulate a knower to further research, to systematically improve a critical attitude toward one's own and others' views, to develop reflexive abilities, and to eliminate unfounded assumptions.
The author's reconstruction of Pyrrhonian
scepticism locates it exclusively in the universe of discourse; according to our author, Pyrrhonian
scepticism is directed entirely at what is said in science.
If one takes this (Thomist) line of thought seriously, one may start to feel the force of the question: What should be done with
scepticism? The familiar strategies of ignoring it or declaring it the enemy and opposing it with dogmatism start to appear unsatisfying.
The Significance of Philosophical
Scepticism. Oxford: Clarendon P, 1984.
This
scepticism is rooted in our experience as geologists of other causes of climate change, some rapid, in the past.
Last week we heard Helen Wishnesky--"Red Helen"--on "
Scepticism as an inoculant against foolishness, bureaucratic excess and the folly of obedience" We offer prizes for these addresses--"longest title" is a fiercely contested section.
(48) According to Mulhall, Heidegger's method in Sein und Zeit is "inflected by a specific mood long associated with philosophical
scepticism," seeking to realize an "authentically sceptical phenomenology" which overcomes skepticism from within by being skeptical even about its own skepticism.
Alan Bailey, Sextus Empiricus and Pyrrhonean
Scepticism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2002.
He explained: "We said at the beginning that we approached it with
scepticism, and the information I have received so far is that
scepticism is well-founded."
Mr Wyman speaking at the annual dinner of the society's Liverpool branch said a recent survey revealed significant
scepticism among members about regional devolution in England.
The author's aim in this study is to discuss 'the impact of
scepticism, both on the parties themselves and through them on Britain's policy towards Europe since 1945' and the way in which this
scepticism has ebbed and flowed.
Kant calls it a 'scandal to philosophy and to human reason in general' that there is still no cogent proof of 'the existence of things outside of us' which will do away with all
scepticism [...] The 'scandal of philosophy' is not that this proof has yet to be given but that such proofs are expected and attempted again and again.
The Modes of
Scepticism. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985.
This volume covering the extensive material on
scepticism in the ancient world contains two "books".
