Seminar: Special Topics in Philosophy (410-0-20)

Topic

History of Skepticism

Instructors

Baron Wayne Reed
847/467-6370
Kresge 3-421

Meeting Info

Kresge Centennial Hall 2-329: Wed 3:00PM - 5:50PM

Overview of class

From its origin in ancient Greece, the skeptical tradition has represented a radically different way of engaging in philosophy. In this course, we will trace its development—both as a type of argument and as a way of life—from ancient Greece through the Early Modern period, when it was transformed in light of scientific and religious controversies.

Registration Requirements

Instructor consent

Learning Objectives

Students will hone their critical reading, writing, and thinking skills, while also becoming familiar with skepticism has been regarded as a school of thought and a way of life at various points in the philosophical tradition.

Class Materials (Required)

Class materials must be purchased.

Bayle, Pierre. 1991. Historical and Critical Dictionary, tr. by R. Popkin. Indianapolis: Hackett. ISBN: 0872201031
Cicero. 2006.
On Academic Scepticism, tr. & ed. by C. Brittain. Indianapolis: Hackett. ISBN: 0872207749
Sextus Empiricus. 2000. Outlines of Scepticism, tr. & ed. by J. Annas & J. Barnes. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 0521778093

Additional readings on Canvas.

Class Materials (Suggested)

Hume, David. 2000. A Treatise of Human Nature, ed. by D.F. Norton and M.J. Norton. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Hume, David. 1993. An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, ed. by Er. Steinberg. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett.
Montaigne, Michel de. Apology for Raymond Sebond, tr. by R. Ariew and M. Grene. Indianapolis, IN: Hackett.

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Registration is reserved for Philosophy PhD Graduate Students
Add Consent: Instructor Consent Required