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Single Idea 20794

[from 'Against the Mathematicians' by Sextus Empiricus, in 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 6. Scepticism Critique ]

Full Idea

The dogmatists ask how the sceptic can show there is no criterion. If without a criterion, he is untrustworthy; with a criterion he is turned upside down. He says there is no criterion, but accepts a criterion to establish this.

Gist of Idea

How can sceptics show there is no criterion? Weak without, contradiction with

Source

Sextus Empiricus (Against the Mathematicians [c.180], 440)

Book Reference

'The Stoics Reader', ed/tr. Inwood,B/Gerson,L.P. [Hackett 2008], p.36


A Reaction

This is also the classic difficulty for foundationalist views of knowledge. Is the foundation justified, or not?