more from Diogenes Laertius

Single Idea 1816

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / A. Justification Problems / 2. Justification Challenges / a. Agrippa's trilemma]

Full Idea

Sceptics say that every demonstration depends on things which demonstrates themselves, or on things which can't be demonstrated.

Gist of Idea

Sceptics say demonstration depends on self-demonstrating things, or indemonstrable things

Source

Diogenes Laertius (Lives of Eminent Philosophers [c.250], 9.Py.11)

Book Reference

Diogenes Laertius: 'Diogenes Laertius', ed/tr. Yonge,C.D. [Henry G. Bohn 1853], p.413


A Reaction

This refers to two parts of Agrippa's Trilemma (the third being that demonstration could go on forever). He makes the first option sound very rationalist, rather than experiential.