Pyrrho of Elis · Philosophy

Suspension of Judgement

The central act of Pyrrhonism is <em>epochē</em> - the suspension of judgement. Confronted by considerations of equal strength on both sides of any question, the skeptic finds he cannot assent to either, and rests in that balance. From this withholding, tranquillity is said to follow.

What you'll be able to recall

You learned that epochē - suspension of judgement - is produced by isostheneia , the &lsquo;equal strength&rsquo; of opposing arguments: when the case for and against a claim are evenly balanced, the mind cannot in honesty assent to either, and so withholds. Suspension is not denial (which would be a fresh dogma) but…

Leads to Zeno of Citium.

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