Uploaded March 2023 | Updated September 2026, 6 hours ago

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Sceptical enquiry consists of a set of arguments used for their practical, adaptive value. They do not imply that any negative position is more justified than a positive one, but only uncertainty that is entirely compatible with justification and practical action. Even-handed sceptical recognition of uncertainty provides the first of the Five Principles of Middle Way Philosophy, here presented by Robert M. Ellis is the context of the Zoom meeting of the Middle Way Network. The ideas discussed here are also covered in detail in his book 'The Five Principles of Middle Way Philosophy' (published by Equinox).

For more about the Middle Way Network and the retreats associated with these talks, please go to the Middle Way Society site https://middlewaysociety.org, and look under the 'events' menu.

Introduction/ recap 0:00
Sceptical arguments: recognizing uncertainty 7:20
Scepticism is not negation 32:10
Scepticism is practical 47:15
Conclusion 58:10
Comment on insight inquiry (Hannah) 1:00:50
Questions on curiosity and the use of scepticism (Dennis) 1:11:30
Practice focus questions 1:19:10