History of Philosophy Without Any Gaps HoP 480 Honorable Ignorance: French Skepticism
Nov 16, 2025
Explore the intriguing resurgence of ancient skepticism in 17th-century France, spotlighting libertines like Mothe le Vayer. Delve into their challenge against superstition and their questioning of sensory reliability. The discussion brings to light debates on whether these skeptics were anti-religious and how skepticism might actually foster faith. Learn about the critique from figures like Mersenne, who defended certainty in science, while Gassendi emerges, blending skepticism with empirical views. A fascinating dive into the interplay of belief and doubt!
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Skepticism's Revival And Pyrrhonian Method
- Skeptical strategies were familiar by the 17th century and had been revived via Renaissance access to Sextus Empiricus.
- Sextus' Pyrrhonism aims to balance opposing arguments and suspend judgment rather than assert disbelief.
Libertines As Aristocratic Free-Thinkers
- Libertines were aristocratic free-thinkers who called themselves puissants esprits and rejected superstition.
- They met socially and discussed philosophy openly, describing their gatherings as philosophical debauches.
Self-Refutation Risk In Skeptical Claims
- Critics charged libertines with self-refutation by claiming certainty that knowledge is impossible.
- The Pyrrhonian distinction between suspending judgment and asserting ignorance was often blurred by French skeptics.