Teachings reported by Diogenes Laërtius - Classic Text | Alexandria
Teachings reported by Diogenes Laërtius-Pyrrho of Elis represents one of the most significant transmissions of ancient skeptical philosophy, documenting the revolutionary ideas of Pyrrho (c. 360-270 BCE) through the biographical work of Diogenes Laërtius (3rd century CE). This historical text serves as our primary window into Pyrrhonian skepticism, though the temporal gap between subject and chronicler has sparked centuries of scholarly debate about its authenticity and interpretation.
The teachings appear in Book IX of Diogenes' magnum opus "Lives and Opinions of Eminent Philosophers," written during the Roman Imperial period. They emerge against the backdrop of Alexander the Great's campaigns, during which Pyrrho allegedly encountered Indian philosophers whose influence possibly shaped his skeptical outlook. Diogenes presents Pyrrho's philosophy through a combination of biographical anecdotes and philosophical principles, describing a thinker who advocated for epochē (suspension of judgment) and ataraxia (tranquility) as responses to the fundamental uncertainty of knowledge.
The text's transmission and interpretation have evolved significantly over time, playing a crucial role in the Renaissance revival of skepticism through Latin translations and influencing figures like Montaigne and Hume. Scholars have long grappled with the challenge of distinguishing Pyrrho's original teachings from later interpretations and additions by Diogenes and others. The text's portrayal of Pyrrho's radical doubt—including famous anecdotes about his supposed indifference to precipices and oncoming wagons—has sparked debates about the practicality and limits of skeptical philosophy.
Today, these teachings continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about epistemology, truth, and the limits of human knowledge. Their influence extends beyond philosophy into fields such as psychology and cognitive science, where questions about belief, certainty, and the nature of knowledge remain central. The text stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of ancient skepticism, while the mysteries surrounding its transmission remind us of the challenges in reconstructing ancient philosophical thought. Modern scholars continue to mine this rich source for insights into both Hellenistic philosophy and the complex nature of philosophical transmission across millennia.