Anaxarchus: A Controversial Figure in Ancient Philosophy

In the records of ancient philosophy, Anaxarchus stands out as a controversial and mysterious figure. Anaxarchus, who was born around 380 BCE, stands at the crossroads of Democritean atomism and Pyrrhonian scepticism, leaving behind a complex legacy that generates divergent scholarly opinions.

Life and Sources

Anaxarchus, a close companion of the formidable Alexander the Great, embarked on an expedition to India alongside Pyrrho. During their journey, Indian philosophers criticized Anaxarchus for his perceived sycophantic behavior towards kings, earning him the reputation of “fawning on kings.” This rebuke allegedly influenced Pyrrho to withdraw from worldly affairs, a decision that marked a stark contrast between the two philosophers. Unlike Pyrrho, Anaxarchus had a penchant for luxury and indulgence, yet he remained renowned for his equanimity and ability to find contentment under any circumstances.

Although no philosophical writings from Anaxarchus have survived the ravages of time, we can glean fragments of his philosophy from indirect quotations and anecdotes found in later sources. These stories, while sometimes fabricated for entertainment or edification, offer valuable insights into Anaxarchus’s worldview. They depict a man who engaged with the world’s pleasures while maintaining an indifference to the conventional values that often ensnare others.

Anaxarchus: An Important Figure

The historical influence of Anaxarchus is undeniably enthralling, but the lack of direct information about his life and ideas fuels scholarly debate. As we venture deeper into his philosophy, we encounter differing interpretations and evaluations that demonstrate the polarised opinions encircling this ancient philosopher.

Anaxarchus, the Brave Sceptic

According to one school of thought, Anaxarchus was a courageous sceptic who questioned the very foundations of truth and knowledge. His assertion that our sensory experiences resemble madmen’s hallucinations and dreams raises significant doubts about the veracity of our perceptions. Anaxarchus anticipated the scepticism of Descartes and other modern philosophers who questioned the veracity of our senses with this perspective.

Anaxarchus, a disciple of Democritus

A different viewpoint places Anaxarchus closer to the Democritean tradition. According to this interpretation, he extends Democritus’ views on perception to the ethical and epistemological domains. Anaxarchus extends Democritus’ argument that sensory qualities are subjective and not inherent to objects to ethical values and epistemic truths.

Epistemology: Challenging the Criterion of Truth

Anaxarchus faced accusations of abolishing the criterion of truth, a charge stemming from his assertion that our experiences resemble those of dreamers and madmen. According to Sextus Empiricus, Anaxarchus likened the world to painted scenery, suggesting that the objects we perceive, such as trees and rocks, are mere representations, not the actual objects themselves. Furthermore, he contended that these experiences couldn’t be trusted to reveal truth, as they mirrored the delusions of dreamers and the mentally disturbed.

Anaxarchus’ epistemological stance can be reconstructed in two ways. In one interpretation, he presents an argument from skeptical hypothesis, akin to the brain-in-a-vat scenario. He highlights the indistinguishability between our sensory experiences and the experiences we might have under skeptical hypotheses. In this view, Anaxarchus anticipates Descartes’ famous dreaming argument, challenging the trustworthiness of the senses.

Alternatively, Anaxarchus draws from his Democritean heritage, asserting that our sensory experiences provide no genuine knowledge of external objects. Rather, they merely reflect the effects these objects have on our bodies. This approach echoes Democritus’ idea that we only perceive the effects of objects on our senses, not the intrinsic qualities of the objects themselves. Consequently, Anaxarchus raises doubts about our ability to access truths about the world.

Ethics: A Controversial Subject

Anaxarchus’ ethical posture is a subject of contention among scholars, reflecting the diversity of opinions his philosophy elicits.

Anaxarchus offers a distinctive perspective on ethics, emphasizing contentment and indifference to conventional values. He posits that true happiness lies in being indifferent to the value of things. This perspective resonates with the ethics of Pyrrho and later skeptics who followed Pyrrho’s teachings.

The question arises: How can one act when indifferent to the value of things? Anaxarchus’ Democritean background provides a plausible answer. Just as Democritus argued that sensory qualities are not inherent in objects but are products of perception, Anaxarchus extends this reasoning to ethical qualities. In this view, conventional values like good and bad are not intrinsic to objects or actions; they are mere products of societal conventions.

Anaxarchus, the Proponent of Indifference

One group praises Anaxarchus as a proponent of disregard for conventional values. His emphasis on contentment through detachment is regarded by them as timeless wisdom. To them, Anaxarchus’ disregard for societal norms and his pursuit of desires, unfettered by morality, provide a novel perspective on human pleasure.

Anaxarchus: The Moral Rebel

In contrast, some academics criticise Anaxarchus for what they perceive to be his ethically unconventional tendencies. They contend that his disregard for conventional moral standards and his view that values are nothing more than social conventions threaten the very foundation of ethical discourse. The repercussions of Anaxarchus’s disregard for norms on social order are called into question by his disregard for norms.

Anaxarchus’ ethical stance bears resemblance to J. L. Mackie’s error theory of morality. He contends that moral norms are purely conventional, and individuals should feel free to disregard them when pursuing their desires. While actively engaging with the world and pursuing one’s desires, Anaxarchus believes that acknowledging the inherent indifference of these objects allows for adaptability to changing circumstances.

The Legacy of Anaxarchus: A Puzzle to Solve

Anaxarchus’ life provides an illustration of this philosophy. Despite his indulgence in luxury and his close association with Alexander the Great, he remained detached from the conventional values of his time. He unabashedly pursued his desires and requested substantial sums of money from Alexander, displaying a remarkable lack of concern for societal norms.

Anaxarchus, the “happiness man,” challenged conventional wisdom by advocating for indifference to the value of things and emphasizing contentment as the path to happiness. His unique blend of Democritean atomism and skeptical philosophy left an enduring mark on the landscape of ancient thought, inspiring contemplation of the nature of truth, knowledge, and ethics for generations to come.

In conclusion, the legacy of Anaxarchus remains a mystery to philosophers and academics. His enigmatic combination of scepticism, atomism, and apathy continues to elicit a variety of opinions and interpretations. Whether we view him as a pioneering sceptic, a disciple of Democritus, a champion of indifference, or an ethical provocateur, one thing is certain: Anaxarchus challenges our understanding of truth, knowledge, and ethics, making him a fascinating figure in the history of ancient philosophy.