피론학파 회의주의자의 경건

Abstract

Skepticism seems like a view which is in conflict with religious piety. However, Sextus Empiricus argues that it is possible for a Pyrrhonian skeptic to live a pious life. He even argues that philosophers and theologians who inquire into the existence, attributes, and inherent piety of God, and as a result argue their own theses or doctrines, are impious, and that skeptics can live a pious life more safely. The core of the argument is piety without faith, and the acceptance of piety as tradition, custom, and law. These arguments can be challenged as an insincerity objection. The objection is that piety practised without belief in doctrinal presuppositions, such as the existence of God or providence, is false and hypocritical. However, Sextus shows that the more one asserts the existence of God and makes specific claims about God's attributes, the more one can dispute these claims, so that presupposing a necessary connection between faith and piety is a hindrance to a pious life. It denies the connection between faith and piety. Denying belief in religious dogma does not mean advocating uncritical acceptance of the demands of religion. The skeptic reaches piety without faith through the process of disputing various religious doctrines, so skeptical piety is achieved through critical inquiry into religious dogma and an open understanding of other religions.