Sextus Empiricus and Greek Scepticism by Mary Mills Patrick
page 14 of 196 (07%)
page 14 of 196 (07%)
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This difference between the two schools was a small one, and on
a subtle and unimportant point; in fact, a difference in philosophical theory, and not in medical practice. [1] Brochard _Op. cit. Livre_ IV. 317; Zeller _Op. cit_. III. 15; Natorp _Op. cit._ p. 155. [2] Natorp _Op. cit_. 157. While we would agree with the authors above referred to, that Sextus very probably recognized the bond between the Empirical School of medicine and Pyrrhonism, yet to make his possible connection with that school the explanation of his name, gives him more prominence as a physician than is consistent with what we know of his career. The long continued union of Empiricism and Scepticism would naturally support the view that Sextus was, at least during the earlier part of his life, a physician of that school, and yet it may be that he was not named Empiricus for that reason. There is one instance in ancient writings where Empiricus is known as a simple proper name.[1] It may have been a proper name in Sextus' case, or there are many other ways in which it could have originated, as those who have studied the origin of names will readily grant, perhaps indeed, from the title of the above-named work, [Greek: empeirika hupomnêmata.] The chief argument for this view of the case is that there were other leaders of the Sceptical School, for whom we can claim far greater influence as Empiricists than for Sextus, and for whom the surname Empiricus would have been more appropriate, if it was given in consequence of prominence in the Empirical School. Sextus is known to the world as a Sceptic, and not as a |
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