The word "Pyrrhonic" is spelled with two r's and two n's. The pronunciation in IPA phonetic transcription is /pɪˈrɒnɪk/. The initial "pyr" is pronounced with a short "i" sound like "pi", followed by a rolled "r", and ending with the "h" sound. The "on" is pronounced with a short "o" sound and a nasal "n", while the final syllable "ic" is pronounced with a short "i" sound and ends with the "k" sound. This word is derived from the name of the ancient Greek philosopher Pyrrho of Elis.
Pyrrhonic is an adjective derived from the word Pyrrho, the name of a Greek philosopher who founded Pyrrhonism, a school of skepticism. In philosophical terms, Pyrrhonic refers to the skeptical doctrines and principles advocated by Pyrrho and his followers.
The term Pyrrhonic indicates a mindset characterized by profound skepticism and doubt towards the possibility of obtaining certain knowledge about the world. Pyrrhonic skepticism is rooted in the idea that all human beliefs and claims about reality are nothing more than subjective and uncertain opinions, lacking any objective truth or justification. Pyrrhonists believe that it is impossible to achieve genuine knowledge, as one's perceptions and interpretations of reality are always subject to error and uncertainty.
In practice, a Pyrrhonic approach involves suspending judgment and refraining from making any firm conclusions or commitments. Pyrrhonists do not assert or deny the existence of specific truths, but rather adopt an attitude of philosophical suspension, aiming to achieve a state of tranquility and freedom from the biases and prejudices that come with firm beliefs.
The Pyrrhonic philosophy has had a significant impact on the development of skepticism and epistemology throughout history. Today, the term Pyrrhonic is often used more broadly to refer to any attitude or position characterized by doubt, skepticism, and a rejection of dogmatic and absolute claims to knowledge.
Pert. to the tenets of Pyrrho.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Pyrrhonic" is derived from the name of the ancient Greek philosopher, Pyrrho of Elis (360-270 BCE). Pyrrho was the founder of the school of skepticism known as "Pyrrhonism". The term "Pyrrhonism" refers to the philosophy of skepticism advocated by Pyrrho, which emphasized the suspension of judgment and the pursuit of tranquility in order to attain a state of mental peace. The adjective "Pyrrhonic" is used to describe beliefs or attitudes that reflect skepticism or the suspension of judgment.