Lesson 2.6: Scythian Shadows

Glossary

Philosophical Concepts

Pyrrhonian Skepticism – A philosophical tradition that advocates suspending judgment (epoché) on all matters to achieve ataraxia (mental tranquility). It is not the denial of knowledge, but a refusal to make claims about what is true or false.

Epoché – The suspension of judgment; the practice of withholding assent to any claim or belief. A central method of Pyrrhonian skepticism, leading to peace of mind.

Equipollence – The idea that arguments for and against a claim can be equally persuasive, leading to the inability to choose one over the other and thus to epoché.

Ataraxia – A state of serene calm or tranquility, free from mental disturbance or anxiety. Considered the natural result of suspending judgment.

Apatheia – A condition of being without (harmful) passions or disturbances. While more commonly associated with Stoicism, Pyrrho also used the term to describe inner peace.

Tetralemma – A fourfold formula used by Pyrrhonists to counter dogmatic claims: a thing either is, is not, both is and is not, or neither is nor is not.

The Problem of Criterion – A skeptical argument that questions how we can establish a reliable standard (or criterion) for truth without already having a trustworthy method to evaluate that criterion—leading to an infinite regress.

Dogmatism – The attitude of asserting beliefs as undoubtedly true. Pyrrhonists rejected both positive and negative dogmatism.

Modes (Tropes) – Standardized skeptical arguments designed to induce suspension of judgment by showing that no claim is more convincing than its opposite.

People & Schools

Pyrrho of Elis – Considered the founder of Pyrrhonian skepticism; traveled with Alexander the Great and was likely influenced by early Buddhism and Scythian philosophy.

Aenesidemus – A philosopher who revived Pyrrhonian skepticism in response to what he saw as the dogmatic tendencies of Academic Skeptics.

Sextus Empiricus – A physician and philosopher whose writings give us the most detailed account of Pyrrhonian skepticism; described skepticism as a therapeutic practice that leads to ataraxia.

Scythians – A semi-nomadic people from Central Asia known for their warrior culture and early philosophical influence. Some of their skeptical tendencies may have shaped Pyrrho’s thought.

Academic Skepticism – A school of thought within Plato’s Academy that claimed that knowledge is impossible. Pyrrhonists criticized them for being dogmatic about this claim.

Key Practices & Related Ideas

Skepticism as Therapy – Pyrrhonian skepticism was intended not as a theory but as a practical way of life aimed at curing the anxiety caused by dogmatic belief.

Philosophy as a Way of Life – A tradition in ancient thought where philosophy was not just a set of beliefs, but a daily practice aimed at transforming the self.

Following Appearances – Although Pyrrhonists reject beliefs, they continue to live by appearances—what seems to be the case—without making judgments about truth.

Everyday Observances (Sextus’ Fourfold Rule) – Skeptics follow nature, impulses, traditions, and practical skills in daily life, all without committing to any beliefs about them.

Skeptical Humor – Some Pyrrhonists, especially Sextus, are known for their use of clever, even humorous argumentation to expose the contradictions in dogmatic claims.

Words You Might Not Know

Dogma – A belief or set of beliefs held to be unquestionably true, often without critical examination.

Therapeutic Philosophy – A philosophical practice aimed at healing the soul or calming the mind, rather than establishing objective truth.

Undisturbedness – A literal translation of ataraxia; refers to the peaceful state that comes from not being disturbed by passions or dogmatic beliefs.

Chatter (in a modern context) – A psychological term for unhelpful inner dialogue that contributes to anxiety; similar to what Pyrrhonists aim to silence through suspension of judgment.

Metaphysics – The branch of philosophy dealing with the nature of reality. Pyrrhonists avoided metaphysical claims, viewing them as the source of unnecessary anxiety.