The True Meaning of Skepticism: Lessons from Cicero with Massimo Pigliucci

Welcome to The Philosopher's Compass podcast. I'm your host, Meredith Alexander Kunz, author of The Stoic Mom blog / Substack (est. 2016) and co-author of the book Beyond Stoicism and Live Like a Philosopher. What is the true meaning of skepticism? What can we learn from its origins in ancient Greek and Roman philosophy? And how can this way of thinking help us today? Join me as I talk with Massimo Pigliucci, my co-author and now the author of the new book How to be a (Happy) Skeptic: The Power of Doubt in a Meaningful Life. In our conversation, Massimo explores the Roman political leader and writer Cicero's life and philosophy of skepticism as relentless inquiry. It may sound counter-intuitive, but in fact, there is relief in letting go of the need for absolute certainty. We touched on Cicero's role in Stoicism as well as ancient academic skepticism. And Massimo underlines the importance of doubt and open-mindedness in an era that really needs it. This is an episode for the ages - from ancient Rome to today.