Single Idea 6588

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 2. Types of Scepticism]

Full Idea

The three forms of scepticism are cartesian, Humean and Pyrrhonian. The first challenges belief by inventing sceptical scenarios; the second doubts the future; the third aims to suspend belief.

Clarification

Pyrrho of Elis lived in the fourth century BCE

Gist of Idea

Scepticism is cartesian (sceptical scenarios), or Humean (future), or Pyrrhonian (suspend belief)

Source

Robert Fogelin (Walking the Tightrope of Reason [2003], Ch.4)

Book Reference

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.99


A Reaction

A standard distinction is made between methodological and global scepticism. The former seems to be Cartesian, and the latter Pyrrhonian. The interest here is see Hume placed in a distinctive category, because of his views on induction.