Skepticism: An Anthology [Paperback]

Richard H. Popkin (Author), Jose R. Maia Neto (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 3, 2007

This anthology contains the principal texts of the sceptical tradition from its origins in antiquity to contemporary philosophy. Selections include the writings of both well-known and lesser-known but influential philosophers of the Western tradition who either advanced sceptical views or dealt with sceptical issues for other philosophical or religious purposes. An introduction on the origins, kinds, and significance of philosophical scepticism puts the various readings in the context of the history of Western philosophy. The editors have also added brief discussions of each philosopher and text included in the anthology, plus a selected bibliography, which lists the main secondary literature on ancient, modern, and contemporary scepticism. This collection is ideal for introductory philosophy courses and courses on intellectual history, or for any reader interested in an influential school of thought, which challenges the nature of philosophy itself.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The editors present 45 interesting text-sets...In my day history of philosophy was rather staid. How many undergraduate philosophy students would have enjoyed more vitality squaring off on issues like these while surveying the history of philosophy...this collection cannot fail to raise, some 2500 years after the fact, all the issues of illusion, practical living in the face of thoroughgoing skepticism, and even philosophy as therapy, that continue to revitalize the field. Metapsychology, Vol.12, Issue 22, May 27, 2008

About the Author

José R. Maia Neto (Belo Horizonte, Brazil) is associate professor of philosophy at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais in Brazil and the author of Machado de Assis: The Brazilian Pyrrhonian and The Christianization of Pyrrhonism: Scepticism and Faith in Pascal, Kierkegaard, and Shestov.

Richard H. Popkin (1923-2005) was professor emeritus of philosophy at Washington University, St. Louis; adjunct professor of history and philosophy at UCLA; and the author of many books including The History of Scepticism from Savonarola to Bayle and Skeptical Philosophy for Everyone (with Avrum Stroll).

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books (July 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591024749
• ISBN-13: 978-1591024743
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #283,016 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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