Thinker · TH-0343
Pyrrho
Pyrrho of Elis was a Greek philosopher who accompanied Alexander the Great's expedition as far as India and later lived quietly in Elis. He…
Πύρρων
Also known as Pyrrho of Elis
c. 360 – 270 BCE · Elis; travelled with Alexander's army to India
Traditions: Greek & Roman
Schools: Skepticism (Pyrrhonian & Academic)
Pyrrho of Elis was a Greek philosopher who accompanied Alexander the Great's expedition as far as India and later lived quietly in Elis. He wrote nothing, and his views come mainly through his pupil Timon of Phlius and much later sources, so how far he resembled the later Pyrrhonists who took his name is disputed. He is remembered for treating suspension of judgement as a way of life that brings tranquillity.
Key ideas
- Things are indeterminable, so neither our perceptions nor our opinions tell us how they really are.
- We should therefore hold no settled opinions and lean neither way.
- Suspending judgement leads to speechlessness and then to tranquillity.
- Philosophy is shown in a way of living more than in doctrine.
Major works
- Timon of Phlius, fragments (record of his teaching)
- Diogenes Laertius, Lives of Eminent Philosophers, Book IX (biographical record)
- Sextus Empiricus, Outlines of Pyrrhonism (later tradition named after him)
In the conversation
- Question Midterm on Thursday: if a Pyrrhonist suspends all judgement, how does she get out of bed?
- Question What is the actual difference between Pyrrhonian and Academic sceptics?
In the Journal
On the map
The questions in The Coordinates of Thought where Pyrrho takes a place.
- 2.4 Skepticism How do you know you are not being deceived about everything?