The Politics of Skepticism

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/erasmus-philosophy-skepticism

Introduction

### Course Review: The Politics of Skepticism on Coursera #### Overview In an era where information overload is the norm, understanding the roots and implications of skepticism has never been more pertinent. "The Politics of Skepticism," offered on Coursera, is a remarkable course that delves into the rich historical tapestry of skepticism, tracing its evolution from ancient Greece to contemporary discourses. The course is an invitation to explore how skepticism shapes not only philosophical thought but also the political landscape, prompting participants to critically assess the reliability of knowledge and the nature of truth. #### Course Structure Divided into thematic modules, the course covers a breadth of pivotal topics: 1. **Political Origins**: The course begins with a critical examination of Plato's opposition to democracy, highlighting how this rejection is interconnected with his skepticism. Karl Popper’s critique of Plato’s totalitarian alternatives offers a modern perspective on these historical debates. 2. **Skepticism and Religion**: Participants will navigate the complex relationship between skepticism and Christianity, exploring arguments posed by Roman philosophers alongside the allies that skepticism found within theological discourse. 3. **Skepticism and Natural Law**: The early modern natural law tradition serves as an antidote to skepticism, with insights into the works of Grotius and the unsettling conclusions presented by David Hume. 4. **Skepticism and Conservatism**: This module brings forth the relationship between skepticism and the rise of conservatism in the eighteenth century, critiquing societal norms while also recognizing its role as a progressive catalyst. 5. **Responses to Cartesian Skepticism**: The course navigates Descartes' introspections on skepticism and knowledge, before branching into the varied perspectives offered by Locke, Peirce, and Austin. 6. **Fallibilism, Prejudices, and Toleration**: By distinguishing between belief and truth, this part of the course seeks to explore the nuances of skeptics’ calls for religious toleration and prejudice mitigation. 7. **The Marketplace of Ideas**: Mill’s theory of a marketplace of ideas will be dissected, evaluating its implications for freedom of expression and the skeptical underpinnings that support it. 8. **The Benefit of the Doubt**: Finally, the course concludes by tackling the concept of ‘organized doubt’ in political problem-solving, illustrating how confronting alternative views promotes thorough and effective decision-making. #### Recommended Learning Outcomes By the end of this course, students are expected to: - Gain a solid grounding in the historical trajectory of skepticism. - Develop critical thinking skills to assess the implications of skepticism on political theory and practice. - Understand the role of skepticism in various contexts—religious, philosophical, and political. - Learn to apply interdisciplinary perspectives to contemporary discussions around knowledge and truth. #### Why Take This Course? "The Politics of Skepticism" is not merely an academic endeavor; it's a compelling inquiry into fundamental questions that remain relevant today. The interconnectedness of skepticism and political thought provides a rich context for understanding modern democratic challenges and the quest for truth in a world rife with misinformation. This course is particularly beneficial for students of philosophy, political science, and history, as well as anyone interested in developing a more discerning perspective on the complexities of knowledge and belief. It also serves as a crucial resource for educators and professionals seeking to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving capacities within political frameworks. #### Conclusion In a society where questioning and skepticism can feel both daunting and necessary, "The Politics of Skepticism" equips learners with the tools to navigate these waters thoughtfully. Whether you are engaged in academic pursuits or personal growth, this course promises to broaden your understanding of skepticism’s pivotal role throughout history and its impact on contemporary society. Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their intellectual engagement with the world!

Syllabus

Political Origins

We will discuss the historical and philosophical backgrounds to Plato's rejection of democracy: they will turn out to be intimately connected to his rejection of Skepticism. In addition we will present Karl Popper's highly critical assessment of Plato's 'totalitarian' alternative.

We will sketch some of the skeptical arguments against Christianity developed by Roman philosophers, but we will also see how Skepticism soon turned into an ally of Christian theology. By the end of the seventeenth century, however, Pierre Bayle turned Skepticism into a highly questionable source of support to revealed religion.

We will turn to the relevance of the early modern natural law tradition, serving as as an antidote to Skepticism. Grotius's efforts will be discussed, and we will see how during the eighteenth century David Hume pushed Skepticism to its ultimate and highly disturbing conclusion.

We will focus on the intimate relationship between Skepticism and the origins of eighteenth-century conservatism: Edmund Burke's analysis of the French Revolution will be put into perspective. But we will also pay attention to the way in which Skepticism came to serve as a progressive and liberating force, for instance in its critique of biblical authority.

We will discuss the specific and influential way in which Rene Descartes defined the problems of Skepticism, not only the question whether knowledge is possible, but also the question whether the external world and all the objects and properties in it, really exist. But instead of considering Descartes’ own rationalist response, we will then move on to consider the alternative responses of John Locke, Charles Peirce, and John Austin.

We will address the question whether, in what sense, and to what extent, Skepticism provides good reasons to do away with prejudices and to adopt religious tolerance. First we will distinguish carefully between belief and truth. Then we will consider the attitude of the positive Skeptic: truth exists, but all our beliefs are and remain prejudices. Finally, we will investigate the role that this epistemic predicament plays in arguments for toleration.

We will consider Mill’s argument from “the marketplace of ideas” for both freedom of opinion and freedom of expression of opinion. If ideas can compete freely, truth will emerge. Just as a free market is self correcting, speech should not be restricted, because in a free and open encounter, the true and sound ideas will survive, and the false and unsound ideas will vanquish. We will identify the Skeptical assumptions of Mill’s argument and we will evaluate it.

What is the benefit of the doubt? What good can come from the confrontation with alternative views or rival opinions? First we will learn that one of the most effective ways to boost the carefulness of problem solving processes is by pushing on alternatives. Then we will consider the role of organized doubt in meetings, deliberations or political negotiations; to find a solution or to reach an agreement, the participants should deliberately adopt the perspective of the others and make their rival opinions relevant.