Skepticism - we know very little with any certainty
The central belief of Skepticism is that there is little we can know with absolute certainty. There will always be a second opinion or a different perspective.
The Greek Pyrrho of Elis, and the Roman Sextus Empiricus thought recognizing Skepticism is the best thing philosophy can give us.
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The Roman Sextus Empiricus further developed the idea of Skepticism. He thought everything we claim to know was open to doubt and added that there could be no possible way to resolve this challenge. For Sextus, both opinions are equally valid.
Recognising the limits to our understanding is deeply comforting. We can let go of dogmatically defending views we have no way to know for sure are correct. We can still aim for something but also accept we may never succeed.
Pyrrho is considered the first Skeptic philosopher. He thought we waste so much time and effort demanding solutions where there's only doubt that we're destined to be unhappy.
Instead, he thought we ought to adopt a position of suspended judgement, or epoché. If someone asks you for your views, you ought to simply demonstrate epoché and say that you only have your opinion and conclude that there is no absolute answer.
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Ancient Greek philosophy consists of four schools, who each proclaim that they hold the secret to a happy and fulfilled life. These schools are Stoicism, Cynicism, Skepticism, and Epicureanism.
Stoicism forms the foundation of cognitive-behavioural therapy. Scepticism and Cynicism have become diluted. Epicureanism has a modern and easy to follow "Four-Part Remedy" to life.
A philosophy is the guiding compass of life.
Great philosophers were top scientists throughout history, and even the concept of science is based on the philosophy of empiricism, which states that the true basis of knowledge is sensory information.
The world is rich in exotic ways of looking, understanding and living life, because of the various kinds of philosophies that one can seek guidance from.
- Ancient Greek philosophy extends from as far as the seventh century B.C. up until the beginning of the Roman Empire, in the first century A.D.
- It distinguishes itself from other early forms of philosophical and theological theorizing for its emphasis on reason as opposed to the senses or the emotions.
- During this period five great philosophical traditions originated: the Platonist, the Aristotelian, the Stoic, the Epicurean, and the Skeptic.
- Favorite themes include the principle of reality, the good; the life worth being lived; the distinction between appearance and reality, etc.
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