Carneades

Leading Hellenistic Skeptic philosopher, critic of Stoicism and Epicureanism.

Chronology: -213 – -129

Origins & Early Life

Carneades (; Greek: Καρνεάδης, Karneadēs, "of Carnea"; 214/3-129/8 BC) was a Greek philosopher, perhaps the most prominent head of the Skeptical Academy in Ancient Greece. He was born in Cyrene. By the time of his embassy to Rome in 155 BC, he was already a leading critic of dogmatic doctrines, especially those of Stoicism and the Epicureans, continuing the critical engagement that his predecessor Arcesilaus had also directed against both schools. As scholarch (leader) of the Academy, he was one of three philosophers sent to Rome in 155 BC where his lectures on the uncertainty of justice caused consternation among leading politicians.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He left no writings. His ideas were passed on to us through his successor Clitomachus whose own books were lost but relayed to us indirectly in the writings of Cicero and Sextus Empiricus. He seems to have doubted the ability not just of the senses but of reason too in acquiring truth. His skepticism was, however, moderated by the belief that we can, nevertheless, ascertain probabilities (not in the sense of statistical probability, but in the sense of persuasiveness) of truth, to enable us to act. According to Douglas Walton, Carneades' most important...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Source: Wikipedia