The Politics of Skepticism from Coursera

This is a course about the history of Skepticism from the ancient Greeks to today, with special attention to the political ramifications of questioning man's ability to know the world and himself with any certainty. We will discuss the debates raging between Plato and the Sophists, the rise of Christianity in the Roman world, and the so-called 'Skeptical Crisis' of the Renaissance as well as Pierre Bayle's Skepticism and David Hume's. In addition the Natural Law tradition will be explored and the relationship between Skepticism and Conservatism.

In the second part, we will explore the systematic relations between Skepticism and politics. What is skeptical doubt? When is doubt relevant? How does Skepticism relate to tolerance and to freedom of expression? And can it help us to solve political problems not only in a critical, but also in a creative way?

What's inside

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.

Skepticism and Religion

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.

Skepticism and Natural Law

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.

Skepticism and Conservatism

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.

“There’s a method to his madness”: Responses to Cartesian Skepticism

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.

Fallibilism, prejudices and toleration: Lessons from Pyrrhonian Skepticism

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.

The marketplace of ideas: An imaginative argument for freedom of expression

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.

The benefit of the doubt: Critical creative problem solving in politics

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.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Taught by Wiep van Bunge and Tim De Mey, who are recognized for their work in history of philosophy and skepticism

Develops critical thinking skills, which are core skills for solving problems and making decisions both in personal life and in different professions

Teaches skepticism, which helps learners question their own beliefs and assumptions and to think more critically about the world around them

Examines the history of skepticism from the ancient Greeks to today, which is highly relevant for understanding the traditions and intellectual development of Western thought

Develops awareness of the political ramifications of questioning man's ability to know the world and himself with certainty, which is highly relevant for citizenship and political engagement

Taught by instructors with extensive experience in teaching history and philosophy, which can ensure a well-structured and engaging learning experience

Reviews summary

Thought-provoking skepticism

Learners say The Politics of Skepticism is a philosophical course worth engaging with that stresses thinking about and questioning the nature of knowledge and our own assumptions. Students find the discussion prompts and readings particularly valuable. While the video format is considered distracting by some, others find it engaging. One student did not like having to watch full-length films for assignments. Overall, students have a largely positive view of this course.

Excellent readings and philosophical insights.

"Looking for philosophical insights, this is the right place."

"I found the Politics of Skepticism course to be a strong philosophical course, well worth engaging with."

Engaging and thought-provoking discussion prompts.

"The discussion prompts really get you to think about the nature of skepticism and knowledge."

"The course lecturers also stress the importance of engaging with alternative views and being skeptical about the strength of our own assumptions."

Peer-review system could be improved for effectiveness.

"The peer-review system could be tweaked to be made more effective."

Requirement to watch full-length films for assignments.

"Great course, but I really disliked the course requirement to watch full-length films in order to progress with the assignments."

Video format can be distracting and not always relevant.

"Excellent readings but no oversight from staff."

"Video format is distracting and often not pertinent to the subject under discussion."

Limited staff oversight and feedback on discussions.

"Excellent readings but no oversight from staff."

"Discussion questions are too open-ended and since there's no feedback from staff, students are left to wonder if they're understanding the materal presented."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Politics of Skepticism with these activities:

Connect with Philosophy Professionals

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Enhance your learning by seeking guidance and insights from experienced philosophers.

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Identify philosophers or scholars who specialize in skepticism or related fields.
Reach out and introduce yourself, expressing your interest in their work and seeking mentorship.

Explore Skepticism's Historical Roots

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of skepticism's evolution and its impact on philosophical thought throughout history.

View Skeptical Philosophy for Everyone on Amazon

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Read the introductory chapters to grasp the origins and development of skepticism.
Focus on key historical figures and their contributions to skeptical thought.
Analyze the influence of skepticism on major philosophical movements.
Consider the relevance of historical skeptical arguments to contemporary philosophical discussions.

Explore Skeptical Case Studies

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Gain practical insights into how skeptical arguments play out in real-world scenarios.

Browse courses on Case Studies

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Identify case studies or examples that illustrate skeptical arguments in various contexts.
Analyze the specific arguments and identify the underlying skeptical principles at play.
Consider the strengths and weaknesses of the skeptical arguments in each case.
Discuss the implications of the case studies for our understanding of skepticism and its role in society.

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Engage in Socratic Dialogue

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Foster critical thinking and sharpen your ability to question and analyze arguments through facilitated discussions.

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Form small groups and select a topic related to skepticism for discussion.
Take turns posing probing questions to each other, challenging assumptions and exploring different perspectives.
Actively listen to others' responses and engage in thoughtful dialogue.
Reflect on the discussion and identify areas of agreement and disagreement.

Compile Skeptic Resources

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Organize and document valuable resources to support your ongoing exploration of skepticism.

Browse courses on Bibliography

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Gather a comprehensive list of books, articles, websites, and other resources related to skepticism.
Categorize and organize the resources based on topic, author, or relevance.
Create a digital or physical compilation for easy reference and future use.

Engage in Skeptical Arguments

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Engage in thoughtful debates and discussions to foster critical thinking and refine your ability to evaluate arguments.

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Read and thoroughly analyze seminal philosophical texts that present skeptical arguments.
Identify the main premises, assumptions, and conclusions of the arguments.
Develop counterarguments and identify potential fallacies or weaknesses in the reasoning.
Participate in structured debates or discussions to present your analyses and engage with others' perspectives.

Develop a Skeptical Essay

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Demonstrate your understanding of skeptical arguments and their implications by crafting a well-reasoned essay.

Browse courses on Skepticism

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Choose a specific skeptical argument to analyze and explicate.
Research and gather supporting evidence from philosophical texts and scholarly articles.
Develop a clear and logical structure for your essay, presenting your argument and evidence.
Write a compelling introduction that captures the reader's attention and establishes your thesis.
Conclude your essay by summarizing your main points and discussing the broader implications of your argument.

Investigate a Skeptical Thesis

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Deepen your understanding and engage in original research by exploring a specific skeptical thesis.

Browse courses on Skepticism

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Identify a particular skeptical thesis that interests you and formulate a research question.
Conduct thorough research, consulting philosophical texts, scholarly articles, and other relevant sources.
Develop a structured argument that supports or critiques the skeptical thesis.
Present your findings in a written report or oral presentation, including a discussion of the implications of your research.

Career center

Learners who complete The Politics of Skepticism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Political Analyst

Political Analysts predict political trends, study political processes, and use data to provide insights to organizations and businesses. As a Political Analyst, understanding skepticism and its effects on politics is imperative to accurately predict political outcomes. The Politics of Skepticism provides a deep dive into these relevant topics and gives you a deeper understanding of the political field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Political Analyst

Investigative Journalist

Investigative Journalists research and report on important events and issues, often bringing to light stories that others have missed. A strong understanding of skepticism and its effects on society is vital for success in this field. The Politics of Skepticism provides a comprehensive examination of these topics, giving you the knowledge you need to excel as an Investigative Journalist.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies, providing recommendations to policymakers. An understanding of skepticism and how it affects policymaking processes is essential for success in this role. The Politics of Skepticism provides a thorough grounding in these areas, helping you become a more effective Policy Analyst.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past, providing insights into human behavior and the development of societies. The Politics of Skepticism is a valuable resource for Historians, offering a unique perspective on the history of skepticism and its impact on political thought and practice.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study political systems, institutions, and processes, providing insights into how power is distributed and exercised. As a Political Scientist, a solid grounding in skepticism is crucial for understanding the complexities of politics. The Politics of Skepticism offers a rigorous exploration of this topic, giving you the knowledge you need to excel in this field.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters, represent them in court, and draft legal documents. An understanding of skepticism and its implications for the legal system is essential for success in this profession. The Politics of Skepticism provides a comprehensive examination of these topics, giving you the knowledge you need to become a more effective Lawyer.

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Philosopher

Philosophers study the fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. The Politics of Skepticism is highly relevant to Philosophers, providing a deep dive into the history and philosophical implications of skepticism, giving you a stronger foundation in your field.

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Political Campaign Manager

Political Campaign Managers plan and execute political campaigns, coordinating with candidates, staff, and volunteers to achieve campaign goals. Understanding skepticism and its potential impact on political campaigns is essential for success in this role. The Politics of Skepticism provides insights into these topics, giving you the knowledge you need to excel as a Political Campaign Manager.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers build and maintain positive relationships with the public, media, and other stakeholders, managing communications and promoting their organization's image. Understanding skepticism and its impact on public opinion and media coverage is crucial in this role. The Politics of Skepticism provides a foundation in these areas, giving you the knowledge you need to succeed as a Public Relations Manager.

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Professor

Professors conduct research and teach students at colleges and universities, sharing their knowledge and expertise in a particular field. As a Professor in political science or a related field, The Politics of Skepticism is a valuable resource, providing you with a deeper understanding of skepticism and its historical and contemporary implications.

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Nonprofit Program Manager

Nonprofit Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs to achieve the organization's mission. Understanding skepticism and its potential impact on program implementation and outcomes is important for success in this role. The Politics of Skepticism provides insights into these topics, giving you the knowledge you need to excel as a Nonprofit Program Manager.

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Government Relations Specialist

Government Relations Specialists represent organizations before government agencies, advocating for their interests and monitoring legislative and regulatory developments. Understanding skepticism and its impact on policymaking is essential for success in this role. The Politics of Skepticism provides a solid grounding in these areas, giving you the knowledge you need to excel as a Government Relations Specialist.

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Journalist

Journalists gather, analyze, and report on news and current events, informing the public about important issues. Understanding skepticism and its role in shaping public opinion is crucial for success in this field. The Politics of Skepticism provides a foundation in these areas, giving you the knowledge you need to become a more effective Journalist.

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Speechwriter

Speechwriters write speeches for public figures, helping them to communicate their ideas effectively. Understanding skepticism and its potential impact on audience reception is essential for success in this role. The Politics of Skepticism provides valuable insights into these topics, giving you the knowledge you need to excel as a Speechwriter.

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Market Research Analyst

Market Research Analysts conduct surveys, analyze data, and provide insights into consumer behavior and market trends. Understanding skepticism and its impact on consumer decision-making is essential for success in this role. The Politics of Skepticism provides a foundation in these areas, giving you the knowledge you need to become a more effective Market Research Analyst.

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