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Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers
How to Keep an Open Mind Lib/E: An Ancient Guide to Thinking Like a Skeptic
How ancient skepticism can help you attain tranquility by learning to suspend judgment Along with Stoicism and Epicureanism, Skepticism is one of the three major schools of ancient Greek philosophy that claim to offer a way of living as well as thinking. How to Keep an Open Mind provides an unmatched introduction to skepticism by presenting a fresh, modern translation of key passages from the writings of Sextus Empiricus, the only Greek skeptic whose works have survived. While content in daily life to go along with things as they appear to be, Sextus advocated--and provided a set of techniques to achieve--a radical suspension of judgment about the way things really are, believing that such nonjudging can be useful for challenging the unfounded dogmatism of others and may help one achieve a state of calm and tranquility. In an introduction, Richard Bett makes the case that the most important lesson we can draw from Sextus's brand of skepticism today may be an ability to see what can be said on the other side of any issue, leading to a greater open-mindedness. How to Keep an Open Mind offers a compelling antidote to the closed-minded dogmatism of today's polarized world.
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First published March 30, 2021
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About the author
Sextus Empiricus
86 books89 followersAncient Mediterranean physician and philosopher. His philosophical work is the most complete surviving account of ancient Greek and Roman skepticism.
In his medical work, tradition maintains that he belonged to the "empiric school", as reflected by his name. However, at least twice in his writings, Sextus seems to place himself closer to the "methodic school", as his philosophical views imply.
In his medical work, tradition maintains that he belonged to the "empiric school", as reflected by his name. However, at least twice in his writings, Sextus seems to place himself closer to the "methodic school", as his philosophical views imply.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 30, 2021
I honestly had a difficult time reviewing this book because I think it is a great gloss and explanation on a philosophy that I think is at base pretty silly. The core of Sextus' philosophy of skepticism is that it is preferable to make absolutely no final judgements about anything at all, that judgement should be continuously suspended for greater accuracy and happiness. It is hard to discard my initial feelings that this is a dishonest approach. That said, history and the history of science are littered with examples of discarded theories and even theories that allowed us to make great strides in ability to predict and control the world around us even though they were fundamentally wrong about some or many aspects of reality (looking at you Newton). To that end, Richard Bett's introduction and brief glosses were the best part of the book for me, as they gave me some contextual grounding for seeing Sextus' ideas in context of their times and seeing how a little more suppression of judgement (and a little more openness to engaging with other's arguments) would be useful in our times.
May 9, 2021
How to Openly Misunderstand the Mind of Sextus Empiricus
Were this book simply Bett’s translation of selections from Sextus Empiricus it would be easy to give this book four stars, as it is an easy-to-read translation that selects the most important and interesting sections of the surviving work of Sextus Empiricus. Unfortunately, in addition to the translation, Bett provides his interpretation of Sextus. This is where “How to Keep an Open Mind” fails catastrophically. Among the many misunderstandings in Bett’s interpretation, three stand out.
First, Bett repeatedly insists that Sextus calls for universal suspension of judgment. That’s not at all the case. Sextus calls for suspension of judgment on just a particular type of issue. Bett translates that type as “unclear” (other translators use the term “non-evident”). By this, Sextus means issues that are abstract, theoretical, and not clearly supported with empirical data. That’s clearly not “universal” suspension of judgment on “any” topic as Bett claims is the case.
Second, Bett claims that Sextus is trying to help people overcome the emotional trauma associated with not having been able to settle on any definite views. That’s the opposite of the case. Sextus is trying to help people overcome the emotional trauma of being attached to definite views about things subject to substantial uncertainty. For example, political ideologues whose blood boils whenever they’re exposed to alternative views.
Third, and perhaps the worst problem, is that Bett insists that the recipe that Sextus gives us for ataraxia cannot work in the twenty-first century and probably did not work in Sextus’ time, either. Bett claims we now know too much to take seriously the “universal” suspension of judgment that Sextus prescribes. But, of course, it wasn’t universal. Sextus gives examples of things to which suspension of judgment should not be applied. It’s perfectly reasonable to infer from a scar that there had once been a wound. It’s perfectly reasonable to infer that if one sees smoke there is fire. At one time these things were not understood. Now we understand a lot more – and a lot more complicated – things like these.
Since Sextus’ time untold numbers of people have found great wisdom in his works – perhaps most famously Montaigne. It’s great that Princeton University Press has included Sextus in their series “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers,” but unfortunately Bett leads the reader far astray on the great wisdom Sextus has to provide.
I’ve written a more detailed review which one can find elsewhere on the internet.
Were this book simply Bett’s translation of selections from Sextus Empiricus it would be easy to give this book four stars, as it is an easy-to-read translation that selects the most important and interesting sections of the surviving work of Sextus Empiricus. Unfortunately, in addition to the translation, Bett provides his interpretation of Sextus. This is where “How to Keep an Open Mind” fails catastrophically. Among the many misunderstandings in Bett’s interpretation, three stand out.
First, Bett repeatedly insists that Sextus calls for universal suspension of judgment. That’s not at all the case. Sextus calls for suspension of judgment on just a particular type of issue. Bett translates that type as “unclear” (other translators use the term “non-evident”). By this, Sextus means issues that are abstract, theoretical, and not clearly supported with empirical data. That’s clearly not “universal” suspension of judgment on “any” topic as Bett claims is the case.
Second, Bett claims that Sextus is trying to help people overcome the emotional trauma associated with not having been able to settle on any definite views. That’s the opposite of the case. Sextus is trying to help people overcome the emotional trauma of being attached to definite views about things subject to substantial uncertainty. For example, political ideologues whose blood boils whenever they’re exposed to alternative views.
Third, and perhaps the worst problem, is that Bett insists that the recipe that Sextus gives us for ataraxia cannot work in the twenty-first century and probably did not work in Sextus’ time, either. Bett claims we now know too much to take seriously the “universal” suspension of judgment that Sextus prescribes. But, of course, it wasn’t universal. Sextus gives examples of things to which suspension of judgment should not be applied. It’s perfectly reasonable to infer from a scar that there had once been a wound. It’s perfectly reasonable to infer that if one sees smoke there is fire. At one time these things were not understood. Now we understand a lot more – and a lot more complicated – things like these.
Since Sextus’ time untold numbers of people have found great wisdom in his works – perhaps most famously Montaigne. It’s great that Princeton University Press has included Sextus in their series “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers,” but unfortunately Bett leads the reader far astray on the great wisdom Sextus has to provide.
I’ve written a more detailed review which one can find elsewhere on the internet.
November 20, 2022
This entry in the Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers series is a partial translation of Sextus Empiricus' Outlines of Pyrrhonism, a classic of skeptic literature translated by Richard Bett. I enjoyed both the translation and the introduction to Skepticism that precedes it, but I think some of the translator's choices about what to leave out are more than a bit questionable. For instance, Bett skips over an important discussion of the Stoics' famous and controversial "preferred indifferents," that is, things that--according to that philosophy--have value but are not true goods (like fame and wealth, the only true good being virtue). This is unfortunate especially given the current sustained interest in Stoicism and the historical and substantive importance of the long debate between Skeptics and Stoics in antiquity. Still, a very valuable contribution to the library of anyone interested in ancient practical philosophy.
May 27, 2022
This is a very interesting book. It seems to have two target audiences. One is just your regular person with some interest in ancient philosophy, who can learn some practical wisdom and maybe get a general idea of how the ancients thought. The other audience are advanced students, particularly graduate students, who can actually engage with the facing Greek text. These students will all already know about the Loeb Classical Library, which publishes similar books of similar size (all with recognizable green covers and jackets), but here one benefits from Bett’s abridgement of the text and summaries, so that the whole is a bit more digestible. Perhaps the inclusion of the Greek text acts as some sign of prestige for the causal reader too. For the scholar and the advanced student, Bett’s name is itself a sign of prestige. He is one of the world’s leading experts on ancient Skepticism, and he has provided here a great introduction to this school of ancient thought. (My version of this text had some odd formatting where the kerning or font size of certain letters ended up much too small, and occasionally the Greek text is cut off on the inside margin. The letters are all still readable, but this is an odd oversight for Princeton UP. Something seems to have gone wrong in the final editing before print.)
Stoics are very trendy right now, sometimes not always for the best reasons, given the tendency for alt right groups to coopt this branch of ancient philosophy into their ideology. But just as modern ideas of “Stoicism” are quite far from the actual ancient philosophy, so is modern skepticism not the same as ancient Skepticism. Modern skeptics think like scientists and rely on facts to establish the best and most trustworthy positions. Ancient Skeptics seek to let go of what they would call “dogmatic” positions. Ancient Skepticism actually has a lot in common with Buddhism, and may have even been influenced by it. It is impossible to prove, but anecdotes relate that Pyrrho, the founder of ancient Skepticism, actually met with Indian wise men when he was travelling there on campaign with Alexander the Great. For the ancient Skeptic, the goal is to let go of the need to be right. If being right makes you unhappy, then you can use Skeptic philosophy to re-attain a sense of peace (in Greek: ataraxia). This is acchieved by weighing two opposing positions against each other and acknowledging that if neither can be right (in Greek: equipollence, then we don’t need to worry any more. Bett explains how this idealized system has its own drawbacks. Many questions that were unanswerable in the ancient world are actually answerable thanks to modern science. There is a danger of falling into the fallacy of the false middle, when in fact one position is clearly right. But there is more to the world than being right, and this is the true gift of ancient Skeptical philosophy. If we keep our mind open, we can perhaps better engage with those people whom we think are wrong, and we can recognize when what we were certain was right turns out to be wrong. The world needs fewer Stoics and more Skeptics.
Stoics are very trendy right now, sometimes not always for the best reasons, given the tendency for alt right groups to coopt this branch of ancient philosophy into their ideology. But just as modern ideas of “Stoicism” are quite far from the actual ancient philosophy, so is modern skepticism not the same as ancient Skepticism. Modern skeptics think like scientists and rely on facts to establish the best and most trustworthy positions. Ancient Skeptics seek to let go of what they would call “dogmatic” positions. Ancient Skepticism actually has a lot in common with Buddhism, and may have even been influenced by it. It is impossible to prove, but anecdotes relate that Pyrrho, the founder of ancient Skepticism, actually met with Indian wise men when he was travelling there on campaign with Alexander the Great. For the ancient Skeptic, the goal is to let go of the need to be right. If being right makes you unhappy, then you can use Skeptic philosophy to re-attain a sense of peace (in Greek: ataraxia). This is acchieved by weighing two opposing positions against each other and acknowledging that if neither can be right (in Greek: equipollence, then we don’t need to worry any more. Bett explains how this idealized system has its own drawbacks. Many questions that were unanswerable in the ancient world are actually answerable thanks to modern science. There is a danger of falling into the fallacy of the false middle, when in fact one position is clearly right. But there is more to the world than being right, and this is the true gift of ancient Skeptical philosophy. If we keep our mind open, we can perhaps better engage with those people whom we think are wrong, and we can recognize when what we were certain was right turns out to be wrong. The world needs fewer Stoics and more Skeptics.
June 15, 2021
How to Openly Misunderstand the Mind of Sextus Empiricus
Were this book simply Bett’s translation of selections from Sextus Empiricus it would be easy to give this book four stars, as it is an easy-to-read translation that selects the most important and interesting sections of the surviving work of Sextus Empiricus. Unfortunately, in addition to the translation, Bett provides his interpretation of Sextus. This is where “How to Keep an Open Mind” fails catastrophically. Among the many misunderstandings in Bett’s interpretation, three stand out.
First, Bett repeatedly insists that Sextus calls for universal suspension of judgment. That’s not at all the case. Sextus calls for suspension of judgment on just a particular type of issue. Bett translates that type as “unclear” (other translators use the term “non-evident”). By this, Sextus means issues that are abstract, theoretical, and not clearly supported with empirical data. That’s clearly not “universal” suspension of judgment on “any” topic as Bett claims is the case.
Second, Bett claims that Sextus is trying to help people overcome the emotional trauma associated with not having been able to settle on any definite views. That’s the opposite of the case. Sextus is trying to help people overcome the emotional trauma of being attached to definite views about things subject to substantial uncertainty. For example, political ideologues whose blood boils whenever they’re exposed to alternative views.
Third, and perhaps the worst problem, is that Bett insists that the recipe that Sextus gives us for ataraxia cannot work in the twenty-first century and probably did not work in Sextus’ time, either. Bett claims we now know too much to take seriously the “universal” suspension of judgment that Sextus prescribes. But, of course, it wasn’t universal. Sextus gives examples of things to which suspension of judgment should not be applied. It’s perfectly reasonable to infer from a scar that there had once been a wound. It’s perfectly reasonable to infer that if one sees smoke there is fire. At one time these things were not understood. Now we understand a lot more – and a lot more complicated – things like these.
Since Sextus’ time untold numbers of people have found great wisdom in his works – perhaps most famously Montaigne. It’s great that Princeton University Press has included Sextus in their series “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers,” but unfortunately Bett leads the reader far astray on the great wisdom Sextus has to provide.
I’ve written a more detailed review which one can find elsewhere on the internet.
Were this book simply Bett’s translation of selections from Sextus Empiricus it would be easy to give this book four stars, as it is an easy-to-read translation that selects the most important and interesting sections of the surviving work of Sextus Empiricus. Unfortunately, in addition to the translation, Bett provides his interpretation of Sextus. This is where “How to Keep an Open Mind” fails catastrophically. Among the many misunderstandings in Bett’s interpretation, three stand out.
First, Bett repeatedly insists that Sextus calls for universal suspension of judgment. That’s not at all the case. Sextus calls for suspension of judgment on just a particular type of issue. Bett translates that type as “unclear” (other translators use the term “non-evident”). By this, Sextus means issues that are abstract, theoretical, and not clearly supported with empirical data. That’s clearly not “universal” suspension of judgment on “any” topic as Bett claims is the case.
Second, Bett claims that Sextus is trying to help people overcome the emotional trauma associated with not having been able to settle on any definite views. That’s the opposite of the case. Sextus is trying to help people overcome the emotional trauma of being attached to definite views about things subject to substantial uncertainty. For example, political ideologues whose blood boils whenever they’re exposed to alternative views.
Third, and perhaps the worst problem, is that Bett insists that the recipe that Sextus gives us for ataraxia cannot work in the twenty-first century and probably did not work in Sextus’ time, either. Bett claims we now know too much to take seriously the “universal” suspension of judgment that Sextus prescribes. But, of course, it wasn’t universal. Sextus gives examples of things to which suspension of judgment should not be applied. It’s perfectly reasonable to infer from a scar that there had once been a wound. It’s perfectly reasonable to infer that if one sees smoke there is fire. At one time these things were not understood. Now we understand a lot more – and a lot more complicated – things like these.
Since Sextus’ time untold numbers of people have found great wisdom in his works – perhaps most famously Montaigne. It’s great that Princeton University Press has included Sextus in their series “Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers,” but unfortunately Bett leads the reader far astray on the great wisdom Sextus has to provide.
I’ve written a more detailed review which one can find elsewhere on the internet.
July 11, 2021
This is a well-curated selection of the extant writings of Sextus Empiricus. Richard Bett's introduction and notes provide an excellent context to the work, along with a thoughtful discussion on how to incorporate features of Sextus' thinking in the present day.
Sextus' philosophy is quite fascinating, and if nothing else is an excellent course in logic and perhaps rhetoric. Stylistically it is a very satisfying read, in both the original Greek and in Bett's carefully crafted matter-of-fact translation. Sextus goes to great pains to be absolutely clear about his terminology, and the general outline format of the work makes it quite easy to follow, despite the complexity of many of the arguments.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in (ancient) philosophy generally, and especially to those with an interest in epistemology, since that seems to be at the heart of ancient Skepticism, namely, how is it that we should think about arguments and evidence.
Sextus' philosophy is quite fascinating, and if nothing else is an excellent course in logic and perhaps rhetoric. Stylistically it is a very satisfying read, in both the original Greek and in Bett's carefully crafted matter-of-fact translation. Sextus goes to great pains to be absolutely clear about his terminology, and the general outline format of the work makes it quite easy to follow, despite the complexity of many of the arguments.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in (ancient) philosophy generally, and especially to those with an interest in epistemology, since that seems to be at the heart of ancient Skepticism, namely, how is it that we should think about arguments and evidence.
August 28, 2021
The most elaborate throwing up of hands that I've ever had the misfortune to read. The tranquility that Sextus is advertising seems superficial and avoiding decisions and opinions to this extent would undoubtedly inflict more rather than lessen any inner turmoil that I would experience.
After barely making it through the introduction, I was deflated to see the page count. However, take heart! The translator includes the original Greek next to the English so it's a much shorter slog than it appears.
Even though the page count isn't quite as long as I initially feared, I still designed an entire website between reading the first few pages and finally finishing it. Needless to say, my desire to pick it back up again was extremely low. If not for my unavoidable need to finish every book I start I would not have finished it.
After barely making it through the introduction, I was deflated to see the page count. However, take heart! The translator includes the original Greek next to the English so it's a much shorter slog than it appears.
Even though the page count isn't quite as long as I initially feared, I still designed an entire website between reading the first few pages and finally finishing it. Needless to say, my desire to pick it back up again was extremely low. If not for my unavoidable need to finish every book I start I would not have finished it.
January 27, 2024
I am always skeptical of books that purport to distill a subject with abridged selections of an original text, but true to the philosophy of Sextus Empiricus, I tried to suspend judgment. Perhaps I didn't learn properly from the master, because I came quickly to the conclusion that this book was not for me either in the way that it was structured or in the ideas of the philosopher that the book presents. But wait, maybe this really was a good short introduction to ideas that only merit being briefly considered as historical curiosities. Or maybe this was a pathway to a greater understanding, and it could help me to plumb the depths by reading the full works of Sextus later. But I just could not get to a full suspension of judgment or the associated state of tranquility that Sextus promises. I kept feeling that Mr. Bett could not be giving a fair presentation of the ideas of a man who surely had more wisdom than this book suggests.
It's true that sometimes it is better to suspend judgment. When we rush too quickly into situations that are complex or that have many issues around them or ones that involve the feelings of other people, it is better to examine the situation carefully and sometimes never reach a final conclusion. This is also the case in science where every theory is falsifiable, and in politics where we need to be able to see the point of view of the other side as a way of forming strategy, seeking compromise and learning to get along. And using the suspension of judgment as a sort of meditative practice to reach a state of tranquility is an idea that is not unique to Sextus. It is similar in some respects to the Zen idea of meditating on a koan, a seemingly contradictory phrase, as a way to reach a higher spiritual state. What is the sound of one hand clapping?
On the other hand, there are times when action is needed and suspension of judgment only leads to delay or even paralysis. If COVID is killing millions, then quick and determined action is needed even in a state of doubt to try to save the deaths of millions more. And sometimes our intuition gives the best answer quickly so that further analysis will only make us spin without yielding a better result or a calmer state of mind. It's often very hard to know whether a quick decision is best or if it is an ill-advised rush to judgment. I'll have to sleep on it.
It's true that sometimes it is better to suspend judgment. When we rush too quickly into situations that are complex or that have many issues around them or ones that involve the feelings of other people, it is better to examine the situation carefully and sometimes never reach a final conclusion. This is also the case in science where every theory is falsifiable, and in politics where we need to be able to see the point of view of the other side as a way of forming strategy, seeking compromise and learning to get along. And using the suspension of judgment as a sort of meditative practice to reach a state of tranquility is an idea that is not unique to Sextus. It is similar in some respects to the Zen idea of meditating on a koan, a seemingly contradictory phrase, as a way to reach a higher spiritual state. What is the sound of one hand clapping?
On the other hand, there are times when action is needed and suspension of judgment only leads to delay or even paralysis. If COVID is killing millions, then quick and determined action is needed even in a state of doubt to try to save the deaths of millions more. And sometimes our intuition gives the best answer quickly so that further analysis will only make us spin without yielding a better result or a calmer state of mind. It's often very hard to know whether a quick decision is best or if it is an ill-advised rush to judgment. I'll have to sleep on it.
April 10, 2023
I'm torn with this one. Lets start with the positives. The ideas within Sextus' writings are profound and an interesting window into how eastern thought blended with the west, through a chance encounter with naked men in India. This is how the Romans presumably red-pilled themselves. His ideas will send you into a spiral of questioning everything. You'll need to hold the guard-rails of whatever is keeping you sane. He quotes another philosopher towards the end of this text, criticising ethics; 'I would rather madness over pleasure'. Its easy to see how being caught up in Skepticism's endless paradoxes, meaninglessness and at times hilarious powerlessness would drive one mad. This changed the way I think about opinions I hold and the grounds on which I hold them. However, Sextus was lost. Ironically, and I can only assume as part of his philoshophy of never wanting to advance a point or taking a side / position, he makes *very* poor arguments and persuasive points as to the utility of his school of thought. He attacks other classes of philosophy - this time, advancing these arguments in complete dichotomy with his own beliefs of not holding opinions, and he does so very poorly. Its as if he has taken half of buddhism and tried to create a framework for life out of it. Much like baking a cake with half the ingredients, its turned out like slop. In addition, he traps himself in circular arguments where he repeats himself for pages and pages. Does that mean one shouldnt read it? Absolutely not. Its the only written work of the class of skeptics from which Sextus hails - and the ideas, if they themselves are treated with Skepticism - have their place of perhaps reminding us of one crucial underlying fact of life; our opinions are all worth very little. Take the other side for a moment and realise how fickle we really are. Recommended for headstrong & opinionated souls but without a raving high review.
March 29, 2021
How to Keep an Open Mind explores the concept of Skepticism through the writing and teachings of Sextus Empiricus. How to Keep an Open Mind is an essay and analysis of the writings of Sextus Empiricus. Sextus Empiricus was a Greek Pyrrhonist philosopher whose writings, entitled Outlines, are the most complete collection of the Pyrrhonist thoughts.
These thoughts tech skepticism as a "technique or set of techniques for producing suspension of judgment." Richard Bett selected and translated passages from Outlines and introduced them in such as manner that they can be understood without prior knowledge of ancient Greco-Roman philosophy. While Bett does an excellent job, I would highly recommend having at least a basic knowledge of philosophy in order to best understand the teachings of Sextus Empiricus.
Overall, the book was an excellent learning tool for those interesting in learning more from Greco-Roman philosophers. The audiobook was well done, evenly paced, clearly communicated and the tone was one of an educator interested in their work.
These thoughts tech skepticism as a "technique or set of techniques for producing suspension of judgment." Richard Bett selected and translated passages from Outlines and introduced them in such as manner that they can be understood without prior knowledge of ancient Greco-Roman philosophy. While Bett does an excellent job, I would highly recommend having at least a basic knowledge of philosophy in order to best understand the teachings of Sextus Empiricus.
Overall, the book was an excellent learning tool for those interesting in learning more from Greco-Roman philosophers. The audiobook was well done, evenly paced, clearly communicated and the tone was one of an educator interested in their work.
April 7, 2021
This is one of those philosophical books that makes you think a bit. Different questions are raised and then Sextus gives a "what if" scenario as to whether or not it can be true. Simple logic is used in that if the question at hand is one thing it cannot be another. The opinions of the various groups and sects of persons of the time is also given. The book itself is a bit complex and hard to follow, but those persons who enjoy reading philosophy will most likely enjoy reading this book in the likes of Aristotle and other great philosophers.
February 21, 2025
I’ve really enjoyed other books in Princeton’s Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers series, but for me, this was the weakest entry. The translator’s context didn’t set up the text particularly well, and the selected passages didn’t feel as insightful or impactful as they could have been. Compared to stronger books in the series, this one fell flat. If you’re looking for a better introduction to ancient philosophy, I’d recommend other titles over this one.
July 5, 2025
This is a good translation of some of Sextus Empiricus's works, but doesn't work well as an explanation of his philosophy and is horrible as practical advice. The idea of the specific kind of skepticism being applied to general problems (vs. specific undecidable problems, or using it as a tool to understand the limits of knowledge) is pretty crazy.
July 4, 2021
After reading the Introduction, I was excited about what the text would offer. Most of the time spent lost in the weeds of the uninspiring arguments of Sextus Empiricus which did little to suggest the benefits or tools for keeping an open mind.
February 15, 2023
As might be expected, a translation of Ancient Greek is going to be a challenging read at best. Sextus’s references to unusual social practices of contemporary Indians, Greeks and a Persians will raise an eyebrow.
January 22, 2024
It’s more a book and understanding through Richard Bett than a comprehensive or understanding from Empiricus as he views it. Although it does simplify and contextualise Empiricus’ texts.
It’s not a terrible book, but it is as such; Empiricus through Bett.
It’s not a terrible book, but it is as such; Empiricus through Bett.
August 2, 2024
I listened to the audiobook version of this book and some parts were hard to follow. Haven’t learned about Sextus Empiricus before so it was interesting to learn about his main philosophy and arguments.
April 21, 2021
Pretty short, and somewhat interesting, but didn't hold my attention as much as I thought it would. Maybe more depth or a different narrator/way of reading may have helped.
July 3, 2022
could have helped without the introduction in the beginning, rather, putting it at the end would not affect one's judgment on the book while reading it.
October 27, 2023
A very accessible way to read Sextus. The translation is clear and skips & summarizes various parts to make it more readable.
October 9, 2024
Not a big fan of Skeptics…
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews