304 /l/-26
so that, as we said, the word "ability" is taken simply [i.e., unqualifiedly],
or it may be taken with the words "set in opposition appearances and
ideas," since we set these in opposition in a variety of ways, viz., appear-
ances to appearances, ideas to ideas, or, interchanging them [appearances
to ideas and ideas to appearances]. We use the words "in any manner
whatsoever" here to indicate that we encompass all the possible opposi-
tions. Or, in another way, the words "in any manner whatsoever" may
be understood to go with "appearances and ideas," so that we need not
inquire about how appearances appear or how ideas are thought, but may
take them in a simple sense [i.e., unqualifiedly]. 10. We understand
"arguments opposed" not as indicating an unqualified denial and affirma-
tion, but simply as indicating conflicting arguments. We mean by the
words "equal force" equality with respect to plausibility and lack of
plausibility. That is, that neither of the conflicting arguments stands out
as more plausible than the other. "Suspension of judgement" is the
repose of intellect owing to which we neither deny nor affirm something.
"Freedom from disturbance" is the serenity or calmness of the soul.
How freedom from disturbance enters the soul along with suspension of
judgement we shall explain in the chapter on the goal [of scepticism V^5
Ch. v On the Sceptic
- The Pyrrhonian philosopher is implicitly included in the conception
of the sceptical approach, for he is one who partakes of this power.
Ch. vi On the Principles of Scepticism
- The principle of scepticism in the sense of cause is, we say, the
expectation of attaining freedom from disturbance. Men of natural ability
are disturbed because of the inconsistency in things, and being doubtful
which of the alternatives they should assent to, they came to inquire into
what is true and what is false in things in order that from a resolution
of their doubts they would attain freedom from disturbance. The main
principle of the sceptical system is that for every argument another
argument of equal [weight] is opposed. As a result of this we seem to
arrive at a cessation of dogmatism.
Ch. vii Does the Sceptic Dogmatize?
- When we say that the sceptic does not dogmatize it is not in the
more common sense of the term "dogma" according to which, as some
say, to dogmatize is just to approve of something, for the sceptic assents
to the states forced on him as a result of a presentation. For example, - Ch. xii below.