This session will be moderated by Greg, who has a PhD in philosophy, specializing in epistemology, theories of knowledge.

It is very difficult, if not impossible, for human beings to base their beliefs on evidence. If we value evidence-based-belief very highly, this can be a difficult idea to live with. If we do not value evidence-based-belief very highly, we will be vulnerable to charlatans, demagogues, and propagandists. How do we cope?

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This session will be divided into multiple sections in which the moderator will give a brief presentation before inviting open discussion. No advanced reading is required, but some passages from primary philosophical texts will be introduced as topics of discussion. Recommended reading is listed only for those who want to dive deeper on their own.

To RSVP, visit the Seattle SOPHIA chapter’s MeetUp page for the event! 

Section #1: Overview of Skepticism
Types of skepticism (Academic, Pyrrhonian, Scientific) and other necessary terminology that will give us a foundation for further discussion. Some general arguments for skepticism.
Recommended reading:
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/skepticism/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skeptical_movement

Section #2: Socrates
Socrates believes that no human being has knowledge of virtue, and can therefore be thought to be a moral skeptic. He nevertheless acts in ways that suggest that he has very strongly held moral beliefs. Is Socrates a skeptic? What can we learn from his philosophical practice?
Recommended reading: Plato, particularly the Meno, but also Apology, Crito, Euthyphro, and Hippias Minor.

Section #3: Montaigne
Michel de Montaigne advocates for Pyrrhonian skepticism on the grounds that it creates room for faith. Is this a contradiction? Is it a model for how to cope with skepticism?
Recommended reading: Michel de Montaigne, Apology for Raymond Sebond

Section #4: Hume
Hume famously argues that scientific beliefs are ultimately unjustified, because they rely on assumptions that cannot be justified either empirically or a priori. In the same text, Hume recommends a form of mitigated skepticism on the grounds that it destroys harmful superstition and metaphysics, in favor of more modest scientific inquiry. Is this a contradiction? Is it a model for how to cope with skepticism?
Recommended reading: David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding

At this first meeting of the Lexington SOPHIA Chapter, LexSOPHIA, we’ll be talking about a controversial 1-page piece that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, called “It’s Over Debbie.” It’s about euthanasia and is very useful for getting people talking about some important philosophical ideas about life, death, ethics, medical procedure, the law, and more. It’s really fun to talk about. Don’t worry, there’s no homework!

After an hour or so, we’ll talk about a next meeting and the future of the LexSOPHIA chapter. Join us if you can!

Add the event to your calendar

For those who can’t attend, send us your thoughts about:

a) Whether you’d like to be part of such a chapter;
b) What you’d enjoy talking about;
c) What days and times work for you, if this first meeting didn’t.

Email SOPHIA Executive Director Eric Thomas Weber if you have any thoughts, comments, or questions regarding this event or accessibility needs.