Abstract

JUNQUEIRA SMITH, Plínio. Types and Uses of Sceptical Arguments in Hume. arete [online]. 2010, vol.22, n.2, pp.231-258. ISSN 1016-913X.

This paper intends to show that Hume distinguishes between different kinds of sceptical arguments. The ancient kind of argument, which is based on antinomies between perceptions and beliefs, is considered very weak by Hume. Hume develops a new, stronger kind of sceptical argument based on his empirical science of human nature. Moreover, Hume distinguishes between two different uses of sceptical arguments: the first one, which he calls Pyrrhonian, is meant to suspend judgment, but this is impossible, because nature obliges us to believe; the second one, the Academical, puts limits on our cognition, accepting natural beliefs, empirical science and mathematics.

Keywords : Scepticism; Pyrrhonism; empirical science; belief; suspension of judgement.

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