In this podcast, Dr Raj Persaud questions philosophy professor Richard Bett on the views expressed in his book How to Keep an Open Mind. Professor Bett discusses ancient philosopher Sextus Empiricus’s brand of scepticism and how it may apply to modern life. In his view, such scepticism may help us see what can be said on all sides of an issue which, in turn, could lead to a greater open-mindedness. He states, furthermore, that if the pressure to form beliefs is itself a major source of distress and turmoil in our lives, we can achieve a more tranquil life by suspending judgement and keeping an open mind as Sextus Empiricus advocated many centuries ago.
