Workshop: Pyrrhonian Modes

6 September 2018

Photo: UHH/MCAS/Lyon Public Library

Against the background of a “pluralistic” approach to a radical suspension of judgement about everything (ἐποχή περὶ πάντων), Sextus Empiricus presents, in a multifarious way (πολλαχῶς), the different modes thanks to which one can reach that suspension.
The main goal of the lectures will be a clear and coherent presentation of all the aspects of Pyrrhonian tropology. It will begin with Aenesidemus’ systematic collection of the ten τρόποι τῆς ἐποχῆς (1. Differences among animals; 2. Differences among humans; 3. Different con-stitutions of the sense organs; 4. Circumstances; 5. Positions, intervals, and places; 6. Admixtures; 7. Quantities and preparations of existing things; 8. Relativity; 9. Frequency or rarity of encounters ; 10. Persuasions, customs, laws, mythical beliefs, and dogmatic suppositions: see PH I 31–163) and then continue with a discussion of his more specific eight modes or types of argumentation against any kind of causal explanation allegedly offered by his dogmatic enemies (PH I 180–86). Finally, close and careful attention will be devoted to the so-called five modes of Agrippa (dispute; regressus ad infinitum; relativity; hypothesis; reciprocity: see PH I 164–77), since they represent a sort of “sceptical net” that aims to block any foundationalistic manoeuver.

Convenors