Seminar « Radical Uncertainty : History, Theories, Concepts »
"Radical Uncertainty, Skepticism, and the History of Science", Thomas Bénatouïl, Professor of Ancient Philosophy at the University of Lille.
Uncertainty is generally defined by the unknown or unpredictable nature of certain events. However, what is unknowable is largely relative to specific goals and criteria: what is uncertain for one "discipline" or activity may not be so for another. This text will explore the "radical” uncertainties highlighted in philosophy by the "skeptics" (ancient or modern). These uncertainties primarily concern the reality and stability of everything around us (what if the world were merely an illusion? what if the order of the world were to change?). The plausibility and radical nature of these uncertainties have often been challenged by the opponents of the skeptics. This lecture will attempt to show that the history of science can provide rather concrete cases of such uncertainties. It will also try to reflect on the latter practical implications and the possibility of their anticipation.