Against Professors - Classic Text | Alexandria
Against Professors (Adversus Mathematicos), written by the Greek philosopher Sextus Empiricus in the late 2nd or early 3rd century CE, stands as one of the most comprehensive surviving accounts of ancient Greek skepticism and a systematic critique of dogmatic knowledge claims across various disciplines. This monumental work, comprising eleven books, represents the culmination of Pyrrhonian skeptical thought and provides an invaluable window into both skeptical philosophy and the intellectual landscape of the Hellenistic period.
The text emerged during a time of significant philosophical tension in the Roman Empire, when various schools of thought competed for intellectual supremacy. Written in Greek, Against Professors specifically targets what Sextus terms the "professors" or specialists in six liberal arts (grammar, rhetoric, geometry, arithmetic, astrology, and music) as well as logicians, physicists, and ethicists. The work's precise dating remains contested, though scholars generally place its composition between 180-210 CE, during a period of relative peace and cultural flourishing under the Severan dynasty.
Sextus Empiricus's approach in Against Professors is remarkable for its methodical dismantling of accepted knowledge systems while simultaneously preserving invaluable information about the doctrines he critiques. The text employs a sophisticated argumentative strategy known as "oppositional equipollence," where competing claims are shown to be equally persuasive, leading to suspension of judgment (epochē). This approach has influenced skeptical thought throughout history, from Renaissance philosophers like Michel de Montaigne to modern epistemological debates.
The work's enduring legacy lies not only in its skeptical methodology but also in its role as a crucial source for understanding ancient scientific and philosophical theories that might otherwise have been lost to history. Contemporary scholars continue to mine Against Professors for insights into ancient educational practices, scientific theories, and philosophical debates. The text's relevance persists in modern discussions about the limits of knowledge, the nature of expertise, and the relationship between skepticism and intellectual inquiry. How might Sextus's ancient critique of specialized knowledge inform our understanding of expert authority in today's increasingly complex world?