Stoa Conversations: Stoicism Applied Question Every Impression | Ancient Skepticism (Episode 211)
Michael and Caleb examine skeptical modes from Sextus Empiricus. These arguments show why you can’t trust your sense impressions.
The Stoics and skeptics were rival schools. But they agreed on one thing: most people live under illusion. The skeptics said you can never overcome that. The Stoics said you can, but only if you’re extremely careful. Both agree you need to interrogate every impression.
(3:20) Skeptics vs Stoics on impressions
(9:00) Different animals see differently
(15:30) Humans disagree with each other
(20:20) Your senses contradict themselves
(26:40) Your disposition changes everything
(31:50) The ideal disposition for truth
(35:10) What you’re next to matters
(39:00) Rarity distorts value
(39:53) Different cultures, different truths
(43:10) Why philosophy starts with dissatisfaction
(45:10) How far should skepticism go
(49:40) Summary of nine skeptical modes
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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations:
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