Escepticismo y Política

Authors

  • JOHN CHRISTIAN LAURSEN

Keywords:

Scepticism, concepts, dogmatism.

Abstract

Philosophers, writers and politicians use the words «sceptic»; and «sceptical»;
with many meanings, yet they are not always aware of the philosophical tradition
behind the concept. This article brings out the core meaning of the term based on a
philosophical tradition that dates back to ancient Greece. It argues that many people today may be sceptics, especially with respect to politics, without realizing that they belong to this tradition. It also argues that a sceptical stance may be as healthy with relation to politics as any kind of dogmatism. Understanding the history behind this concept may help us discipline our use of the word so it means something specific instead of just anything, and may help us ask better empirical questions about contemporary politics.

Published

2009-06-16

Issue

Section

ARTICLES