On Dates from Ancient Greek History

Many reliable scholarly resource offer a variety of conflicting date ranges. It’s important to note the variation and corresponding accounts for the given dates. However, it is not important for students to associate a fixed range with the Stone Age unless context makes it necessary. For example, it might be important if the reason for

From A Note on Metaphilosophy by Morris Lazerowitz, 1970

“The word has a brief history. It was coined by me in 1940 so as to enable me to refer unambiguously to a special kind of investigation which Wittgenstein had described as one of the “heirs” of philosophy. The term ‘metaphilosophical’ first appeared in print in July 1942 in a review of C.J. Ducasse’s book

Skepticism Journal: More Historical Background on Sextus and Hellenistic Skepticism

What was his background? It makes sense to think of a few perspectives: author, philosopher, and medical practitioner chief among them. The name Sextus Empiricus and a few comments from one of his texts suggests that he served a doctor within the empiric tradition. There’s evidence Sextus wrote medical works in addition to philosophy but

Skepticism Journal: On The Introduction to PO by Jonathan Barnes

A Summary Historical Background of Hellenistic Skepticism, Outlines, and Sextus — According to Barnes the Latin edition published in 1562 by Henri Estienne corresponds to a shift in western philosophy from grounding stances in metaphysical foundations towards the epistemological. Estienne, also known as Henricus Stephanus is also the source of so-called Stephanus pagination which is still

Skepticism Journal: Early Notes on Outlines of Scepticism, Annas & Barnes Translation

General Contextual Notes — English editions worthy of consideration include translations by R.G. Bury (Loeb), Benson Mates (Oxford), and Richard Bett (Princeton). The Mates rendering makes use of contemporary academic philosophy language more than I’m comfortable with because of the increased likelihood of misinterpretation resulting from anachronism. Also, Richard Bett’s translation of Outlines published in 2021

A rough summary of four widely applied senses of skepticism today

Ordinary – generally according to a dictionary definition. Vaguely signifies a doubting attitude or state of incredulity. Scientific – sometimes characterized instrumentally. Typically applied to particular domains of thought or in accordance with empirical investigation. Philosophical – tends to focus on the aporetic and suspensive aspects of skepticism. Arguably rooted in doxastic or epistemic topics

A Summary of Distinctions between Ancient and Contemporary Skepticism

With the following remarks I’m primarily referring to commentary by folks like Richard Bett, Katja Vogt, and Julia Annas who’re following ancient sources like Sextus, Cicero, and Diogenes. Assuming skepticism is appropriately regarded as part of philosophy or a kind of philosophical activity: contemporary skepticism tends to have more of an epistemic (knowledge-based) focus whereas

Monster the Magnificent!

Oh look! It’s my fluffy tabby friend. 🐱 As is indicated by the title, his name is Monster. He’s just over fifteen years old now but he’s still as playful and cuddly as ever. ❤ I’m sure I’ll find reasons to post more sets of Monster related content. He’s reasonably photogenic and one of my

Rose Hill Garden, Manito Park

A few shots of beautifully tended roses at the best park on the South Hill. The diverse variety in this garden every year has long been impressive.

We’ve Returned! Y Mas Flores

Dental surgery, illness and work deadlines have come between us and making regular posts. We’ll see if we can get back on track over the next week or so. 🙂