Descartes Versus Empiricus And Skepticism

Sextus Empiricus in Skepticism raises some interesting points about the life of a skeptic. A skeptic withholds all judgement in an effort to obtain ultimate tranquility. Empiricus makes a statement about all the other types of people who are not skeptics, “for the person who entertains the opinion that anything is by nature good or bad is continually disturbed” (Empiricus 357). A less drastic alternative could be proposed for those who are not skeptics to consider rather than reject skepticism altogether. Those who form their own opinion of what it is good and bad should continue to do so. The biggest mistake that is made by man is to choose one side and think of that opinion as a fact. This means deciding something is either good or bad and …show more content…
He who practices skepticism recognizes all sides to everything. By the way they are it seems a skeptic would be an exceptional listener because of his lack of judgement. The skeptic sees things for what they truly are. Both Descartes and Hume appear to recognize and appreciate what Empiricus is trying to get at with his method. And for that, they delved deeper into their beliefs in a way that other philosophers have not. Descartes bases all of his opinions from his reasoning only, filtering out any bias lies as the skeptic would. In Hume’s case, his knowledge comes from the senses. The skeptic’s knowledge also comes from the senses and experience. What Empiricus is implying when he says that he who chooses the opinion that is good or bad is continually disturbed, is that the further man believes things to be true the more likely it is for him to constantly wonder what it would be like if he was wrong. A skeptic is neither wrong nor right, which has its …show more content…
Because a skeptic does not believe in being wrong or right, they actually reject that knowledge can be obtained. If only they would realize that all they are observing and absorbing in life expands their minds more than they give themselves credit for. Their thinking could also conflict with good and bad morals. If they were watching someone being murdered they would not think it was bad or good. Most likely, they would not intervene. A meaning of true self would be almost impossible to grasp without personal beliefs, values, and morals. These three things are basic foundations for man that a Skeptic misses out on. In saying this, do not live as a Skeptic completely. Rather, take components of their ideas and implement the pieces into everyday life. After all, man is made up of many different