The Politics of Skepticism

Module 1: Political Origins

Uncover the foundational debates between Plato and the Sophists, along with Karl Popper's thought-provoking responses to Plato's skepticism. Dive into the suggested readings and engage with critical questions to enrich your understanding.

Module 2: Skepticism and Religion

Explore the intricate relationship between skepticism and religion, from skepticism and fideism to the perspectives of Montaigne and Bayle. Engage with philosophical commentaries and enrich your knowledge of this compelling intersection.

Module 3: Skepticism and Natural Law

Delve into David Hume's perspectives on skepticism and natural law, and critically analyze Grotius' "The Law of War and Peace." Engage with thought-provoking discussions on Hume's conclusions and explore the complexities of skepticism's impact on natural law.

Module 4: Skepticism and Conservatism

Gain insights into the relationship between skepticism and conservatism, exploring Hume's essays and thought-provoking questions. Question Moses' authorship and contemplate the liberating aspects of skepticism in conservatism.

Module 5: Responses to Cartesian Skepticism

Uncover influential responses to Cartesian skepticism, including John Locke's and Charles Peirce's perspectives. Engage with key readings and enrich your understanding of these compelling philosophical responses.

Module 6: Fallibilism, Prejudices, and Toleration

Explore the limitations of truth relativism, the powers of positive skepticism, and the fallibilist argument for toleration. Dive into suggested readings and contemplate the complex relation between Pyrrhonism and Locke's perspectives.

Module 7: The Marketplace of Ideas

Engage with imaginative arguments for freedom of expression, including John Stuart Mill's and Paul Feyerabend's perspectives. Delve into key readings and explore the intellectual legacy of Mill's arguments for freedom of expression.

Module 8: The Benefit of the Doubt

Explore critical creative problem-solving in politics, entangling critical and creative reasoning to create contextual relevance and common ground. Engage with thought-provoking readings and delve into the complexities of political problem-solving.