Sextus Empiricus
ancientPyrrhonian Skepticism160 – 210
Sextus Empiricus was a Greek physician and philosopher (c. 160–210 CE) who systematized Pyrrhonian skepticism, the ancient tradition of suspending judgment on all non-evident matters. His surviving works — chiefly the Outlines of Pyrrhonism and Against the Mathematicians — are the primary source through which ancient Greek skeptical arguments were transmitted to early modern Europe. He argued that for every claim, an equally compelling counter-claim can be advanced, warranting epoché (suspension of judgment) rather than assertion.
Notable Achievements
1
Systematized and preserved the Pyrrhonian skeptical tradition in Outlines of Pyrrhonism
2
Developed the Ten Modes and Five Modes of skeptical argument against dogmatic knowledge claims
3
Argued that suspension of judgment (epoché) leads to ataraxia (tranquility of mind)
4
Transmitted ancient skepticism to early modern philosophers, directly influencing Montaigne, Descartes, and Hume
5
Critiqued foundationalism across logic, physics, ethics, and the arts in Against the Mathematicians