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Adversus mathematicos

work by Sextus Empiricus

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Adversus mathematicos, meaning "Against the Mathematicians," is a work by the ancient Greek philosopher Sextus Empiricus. Written in the 3rd century CE, it is a comprehensive account of Greek Skepticism. In this work, Sextus Empiricus aimed to refute philosophers who held positive views, challenging their claims to knowledge. He presented arguments, including the 10 tropes of Aenesidemus, to demonstrate the difficulties in ascertaining truth and to encourage the suspension of judgment, leading to a state of mental peace or ataraxia. This work, along with his Outlines of Pyrrhonism, significantly influenced later European philosophical thought.123

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