Event

Join us to view lectures and discuss this MOOC on skepticism and politics!

This course, offered by Erasmus University Rotterdam, is 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, the so-called 'Skeptical Crisis' of the Renaissance, as well as Pierre Bayle's and David Hume's Skepticism. We’ll also explore the ‘Natural Law’ tradition, the relationship between Skepticism and Conservatism, and systematic relations between Skepticism and politics. Some questions we’ll be seeking answers to are: 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?

No previous MOOC experience required and no need to commit to the whole course! Course takes approximately 10 weeks, but you can jump in at any point!