Sladká nevědomost - Sextus Empiricus o lidském štěstí

• Main Author: Krása, Ondřej
• Other Authors: Thein, Karel
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: Czech
• Published: 2008
• Online Access: http://www.nusl.cz/ntk/nusl-294013

In the present thesis I tried to approach the philosophy of Sextus Empiricus from the ethical perspective. I introduced the most prevalent current of interpretation of Sextus Empiricus' work first and later, on the basis of identification of several shortcomings in this "epistemological" interpretation, I developed such a view on scepticism that pivots on the conviction that all reasoning is the very source of unhappiness. For those who hold any opinion whatsoever pursue some things and avoid others and are therefore perpetually troubled and unhappy. Suspension of judgement, epoch, brings about tranquillity, and sceptical arguments are so designed as to lead to the suspension of judgement. According to this "ethical" interpretation, scepticism questions central position of reasoning in accomplishing human end and challenges two basic maxims of ancient ethics: "Know thyself!" and "Cognize the world!" In the critical part of this study I tried to call in question the sceptical ideal of life without reason with regard to its priority in happiness and with regard to its sufficiency in defining goal of human life.