Plinio
SMITH

PROJECT

The science of oneself: ignorance and skepticism in Book III of Montaigne’s Essais

In Book II of the Essays, Montaigne elaborates his skepticism in a more positive, constructive way. The aim of this project is to explain the idea of a science of oneself as a skeptical science where Socratic ignorance as a model of wisdom is essential, by showing how Montaigne is able to build this science based on reason and experience. This science of oneself applies both to his private and public life.

BIOGRAPHY

Plínio Junqueira Smith is Associate Professor at Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil. His main areas of expertise are skepticism and Early Modern Philosophy, from Montaigne to Kant.