Sextus Empiricus: General Principles 303
the Stoics and certain others; among those who deny that truth can be
grasped are Carneades, Clitomachus and other Academics; those who
continue investigating are the Sceptics. 4. Thus, it is reasonable that
there should seem to be chiefly three philosophies: the Dogmatic, the
Academic, and the Sceptical. So it will be appropriate for others to
discuss the other schools; for the present we will discuss the sceptical
approach in outline saying by way of preface that we make no firm
assertions that any of what we are about to say is exactly as we say it is,
but we [simply] declare our position on each topic as it now appears to
us, like a reporter.
Ch. ii On the Argumentative Procedures of Scepticism
- In sceptical philosophy, the argumentative procedure is in part
general and in part specific. And the general part is that in which we set
forth the basic features of scepticism, enunciating its fundamental idea,
its principles and arguments, its criterion and its goal; further, the modes
[of argument leading to] suspension of judgement, how we interpret the
sceptical denials and the distinction of scepticism from the associated
philosophies. 6. The specific part is that in which we argue against
each part of what is called philosophy. Let us take first the general
argumentative procedure beginning our account with the names given
to the sceptical approach.
Ch. iii On the Names for Scepticism
- The sceptical approach is called "investigative" from the activity of
investigating and inquiring. Also, it is called "suspensive" from the state
produced in the investigator after the investigation. Again, it is called
"dubitative" [aporetic], either, as some hold, from the practice of doubting
[being in aporia] and investigating everything or from being at a loss
when it comes to assent or denial. Finally, it is called "Pyrrhonian" from
the fact that Pyrrho appears to us to have applied himself to scepticism
more wholeheartedly and openly than anyone before him.
Ch. iv What Scepticism Is
- The sceptical ability is the ability to set in opposition appearances
and ideas in any manner whatsoever, the result of which is first that,
because of the equal force of the opposed objects and arguments, final
suspension of judgement is achieved, and then freedom from disturbance.
- We call it an ability not for any elaborate reason but simply in the
sense of"being able." By "appearances" we now understand those things
which appear to the senses, for which reason we contrast them with
ideas. The words "in any manner whatsoever" may be taken with "ability"
