7 thinkers, books, and ideas connected to this field.
Augustine's 386 CE philosophical dialogue written at Cassiciacum just after his conversion — arguing against Academic skepticism (the view that certain knowledge is impossible) — and representing the convergence of Platonism and Christianity that Augustine synthesized throughout his career.
British psychologist and skeptic who wrote ESP: A Scientific Evaluation (1966) — arguing that all parapsychological experiments were flawed by inadequate controls or outright fraud — becoming the most influential scientific critic of parapsychology in the 20th century.
Head of the New Academy who developed the most sophisticated ancient skepticism — arguing that no impression is cataleptic (certain) — and the doctrine of pithanon (probable/plausible) as a guide to action without certainty.
American science journalist, founder of Skeptic magazine and The Skeptics Society, whose work applies scientific skepticism to paranormal claims, pseudoscience, and social beliefs.
French Renaissance writer who essentially invented the personal essay — using the form to examine his own habits, opinions, and contradictions with unprecedented candor — and whose Essais remain the foundational text of Western self-examination.
Greek skeptical philosopher who was Pyrrho of Elis's disciple and wrote the Silloi — satirical hexameters mocking all dogmatic philosophers — and the Indalmoi, both primary sources for ancient Pyrrhonism.
Chinese philosopher of the Han dynasty who wrote the Lunheng — a systematic rationalist critique of superstition, mythology, and Confucian teleological interpretations of natural events.