ΣΕΞΤΟΣ ΕΜΠΕΙΡΙΚΟΣ (sextos_empeirikos) — Lexarithmos 1375 · Etymology, Meanings

Definition

Sextus Empiricus was a prominent Greek philosopher and physician, likely active between the late 2nd and early 3rd centuries CE. He belonged to the Empiric school of medicine and was the most significant exponent of Pyrrhonian skepticism in late antiquity. His surviving works, primarily the "Pyrrhonian Hypotyposes" and "Against the Mathematicians" (also known as "Against the Dogmatists"), serve as the principal source for understanding ancient skeptical thought.

Sextus's philosophy centers on `epochē` (suspension of judgment) as a means to achieve `ataraxia` (tranquility) and `apathia` (freedom from passion). He argued that, given our inability to ascertain the truth of things, the wisest stance is to refrain from all dogmatic assertions. This approach does not lead to inaction but to a practical life based on experience and phenomenal impressions, without the need for metaphysical certainties.

As a physician of the Empiric school, Sextus applied his skeptical principles to medical practice, emphasizing the importance of observation and experience over theoretical systems. His impact was immense; his works were rediscovered during the Renaissance and profoundly influenced modern philosophy, from Montaigne and Descartes to Hume and Kant, shaping critical thinking and scientific methodology.

Etymology

Sextus Empiricus ← Sextus (Latin name) + Empiricus (Greek adjective from the root peir-)

The name "Sextus" is of Latin origin (Sextus), meaning "sixth," and was a common Roman praenomen (given name), widely adopted and used in the Greek-speaking world of the Roman Empire. The epithet "Empiricus" is Greek, derived from the noun `ἐμπειρία` and the adjective `ἔμπειρος`, which in turn trace back to the root `πειρ-`. This Ancient Greek root belongs to the oldest stratum of the language and conveys the concept of trial, attempt, and experience.

The root `πειρ-` is particularly productive in the Greek language, generating a family of words related to trial, experience, and endeavor. From it stem verbs such as `πειράω` ("to try, attempt"), nouns like `πεῖρα` ("trial, experience") and `ἐμπειρία` ("knowledge gained from trial"), as well as adjectives like `ἔμπειρος` ("experienced") and `ἀπείρατος` ("untried, inexperienced"). The connection to the Empiric school of medicine underscores the central importance of direct observation and practical testing.

Main Meanings

The Historical Philosopher — Refers to the specific ancient Greek physician and philosopher, Sextus Empiricus, as a historical personage.
Exponent of Pyrrhonian Skepticism — His central role as the most significant representative of late Pyrrhonian skeptical philosophy.
Physician of the Empiric School — His status as a physician adhering to the Empiric school, which emphasized observation and experience over theoretical dogma.
Author of Skeptical Works — Refers to Sextus as the author of "Pyrrhonian Hypotyposes" and "Against the Mathematicians," key sources for ancient skepticism.
Proponent of `Epochē` — His philosophical stance on the suspension of judgment (`epochē`) as a means to achieve `ataraxia`.
Critic of Dogmatism — His role as a rigorous critic of all dogmatic philosophy and science, as evidenced in "Against the Mathematicians."
Influential Figure — His significance as a philosopher who profoundly influenced modern and contemporary philosophy and scientific thought.

Word Family

peir- (root of the verb peiraō and the noun peira)

The Ancient Greek root `πειρ-` conveys the meaning of trial, attempt, experience, and passage. From it derive words that describe both the act of testing and its outcome, namely experience. Its meaning is central to understanding "Empiricus," as it denotes knowledge acquired through direct observation and practical testing, in contrast to theoretical or dogmatic knowledge. This root forms the basis for the name of the Empiric school of medicine, to which Sextus belonged.

πεῖρα ἡ · noun · lex. 196

The 'trial,' 'attempt,' 'experience.' In classical Greek, `peira` is the test that leads to knowledge. Directly related to Sextus's empirical method. (Plato, Republic 534e)

πειράω verb · lex. 996

Means 'to try, attempt, endeavor.' It is the verb from which many words in the family derive, indicating the active process of gaining experience. (Homer, Iliad B 112)

ἔμπειρος adjective · lex. 510

One who has 'experience,' 'experienced.' Describes someone who has acquired knowledge through trial and observation, precisely like the physicians of the Empiric school. (Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War 1.142)

ἐμπειρία ἡ · noun · lex. 251

The 'experience,' 'knowledge acquired through trial.' This is the key word for understanding Sextus's epithet and his philosophical approach. (Aristotle, Metaphysics A 1)

ἀπείρατος adjective · lex. 767

The 'untried,' 'inexperienced.' The negative derivative of the root, describing a lack of experience or trial, often in the sense of virgin or unknown. (Homer, Odyssey δ 781)

πειρασμός ὁ · noun · lex. 656

The 'trial,' 'temptation.' Signifies a situation or action that tests one's endurance or morality. In the New Testament, it acquires a theological dimension. (Matthew 6:13)

πειρατής ὁ · noun · lex. 704

One who 'tries' (attempts, attacks) at sea, the 'pirate.' The word retains the sense of enterprise and trial, but with a negative connotation. (Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War 1.5)

πειρατικός adjective · lex. 796

That which relates to a pirate or piracy. Describes actions or characteristics associated with aggressive trial and plunder. (Polybius, Histories 4.3.5)

Philosophical Journey

The life and work of Sextus Empiricus are situated in a period of flourishing skepticism, with his influence extending for centuries.

360-270 BCE

Pyrrho of Elis

The founder of skepticism, whose principles Sextus Empiricus further developed and systematized.

1st Century BCE

Aenesidemus

The philosopher who revived skepticism, laying the groundwork for the later Pyrrhonian school to which Sextus belonged.

Late 2nd - Early 3rd Century CE

Sextus's Period of Activity

The era during which Sextus Empiricus lived and worked, writing his most important treatises.

Circa 200 CE

“Pyrrhonian Hypotyposes”

Sextus's foundational work, systematically presenting the tenets of Pyrrhonian skepticism.

Circa 200-210 CE

“Against the Mathematicians” (Adversus Mathematicos)

An extensive work comprising a skeptical critique of various dogmatic sciences and arts.

16th Century CE

Renaissance and Rediscovery

Sextus's works are translated into Latin and profoundly influence philosophers such as Montaigne, Descartes, and Gassendi, contributing to the development of modern philosophy.

17th-18th Century CE

Influence on the Enlightenment

Sextus's thought impacts empiricists (e.g., Hume) and critical philosophers (e.g., Kant), shaping the critical attitude towards knowledge.

In Ancient Texts

Sextus Empiricus, through his writings, clearly articulated the fundamental principles of skepticism.

«τῷ σκεπτικῷ τέλος ἐστὶν ἡ ἀταραξία ἐν τοῖς κατὰ δόξαν καὶ μετριοπάθεια ἐν τοῖς κατὰ ἀνάγκην.»

The end of the Skeptic is tranquility in matters of opinion and moderate affection in matters of compulsion.

Sextus Empiricus, Pyrrhonian Hypotyposes, I 25

«πᾶς λόγος λόγῳ ἴσος ἀντίκειται.»

To every argument an equal argument is opposed.

Sextus Empiricus, Pyrrhonian Hypotyposes, I 202

«οὐδὲν ὁρίζω.»

I determine nothing.

Sextus Empiricus, Pyrrhonian Hypotyposes, I 197

Lexarithmic Analysis

The lexarithmos of the word ΣΕΞΤΟΣ ΕΜΠΕΙΡΙΚΟΣ is 1375, from the sum of its letter values:

Σ = 200

Sigma

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Ξ = 60

Xi

Τ = 300

Tau

Ο = 70

Omicron

Σ = 200

Sigma

= 0

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Μ = 40

Mu

Π = 80

Pi

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Ι = 10

Iota

Ρ = 100

Rho

Ι = 10

Iota

Κ = 20

Kappa

Ο = 70

Omicron

Σ = 200

Sigma

= 1375

Total

200 + 5 + 60 + 300 + 70 + 200 + 0 + 5 + 40 + 80 + 5 + 10 + 100 + 10 + 20 + 70 + 200 = 1375

1375 decomposes into 1300 (hundreds) + 70 (tens) + 5 (units).

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΣΕΞΤΟΣ ΕΜΠΕΙΡΙΚΟΣ:

Method	Result	Meaning
Isopsephy	1375	Base lexarithmos
Decade Numerology	7	1375 → 1+3+7+5 = 16 → 1+6 = 7. The number 7, often associated with perfection, completeness, and spiritual quest, may suggest the pursuit of tranquility through the suspension of judgment.
Letter Count	17	16 letters (Σ-Ε-Ξ-Τ-Ο-Σ Ε-Μ-Π-Ε-Ι-Ρ-Ι-Κ-Ο-Σ). The number 16 (4x4) can symbolize stability and square logic, while its reduction to 7 (1+6) retains the spiritual dimension.
Cumulative	5/70/1300	Units 5 · Tens 70 · Hundreds 1300
Odd/Even	Odd	Masculine force
Left/Right Hand	Right	Divine (≥100)
Quotient	—	Comparative method
Notarikon	Σ-Ε-Ξ-Τ-Ο-Σ Ε-Μ-Π-Ε-Ι-Ρ-Ι-Κ-Ο-Σ	Skeptical, Experienced, Xylograph (scribe), Thorough, Objective, Systematic. Empiricist, Methodical, Probing, Inquisitive, Rational, Insightful, Critical, Objective, Systematic.
Grammatical Groups	6V · 10C	6 vowels (E, O, E, I, I, O) and 10 consonants (S, X, T, S, M, P, R, K, S) in the polytonic spelling of the name «Σέξτος Ἐμπειρικός».
Palindromes	No
Onomancy	—	Comparative
Sphere of Democritus	—	Divination with lunar day
Zodiacal Isopsephy	Sun ☉ / Scorpio ♏	1375 mod 7 = 3 · 1375 mod 12 = 7

Isopsephic Words (1375)

Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1375) as Sextus Empiricus, but from different roots, offering interesting conceptual parallels:

ἀποθέωσις

Apotheosis, deification. While Sextus avoided dogmatic assertions, the concept of apotheosis represents the transcendence of the human, an idea that skepticism would subject to critique.

ἱστοριογραφία

Historiography, the writing of history. Sextus, though a philosopher, contributed to the history of philosophy by documenting skeptical positions, acting as a unique historiographer of thought.

καταμετρητικός

Measuring precisely, calculating. This word contrasts with Sextus's skeptical stance towards absolute knowledge and precise measurement of things.

πολυπράγματος

Meddlesome, busybody. Sextus, though investigative, was not a busybody in the negative sense, but rather a systematic interrogator of dogmas.

συμπλεκτικός

Intertwining, complex. Sextus's philosophy often intertwines the arguments of dogmatists, revealing their contradictions, but with the aim of simplification and tranquility.

ἐπιζυγόω

The verb "to yoke upon," "to impose a yoke." This can symbolize the imposition of dogmas, something Sextus Empiricus strove to prevent through his skeptical method.

The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 84 words with lexarithmos 1375. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.

Sources & Bibliography

Sextus Empiricus — Pyrrhonian Hypotyposes (Loeb Classical Library)
Sextus Empiricus — Against the Mathematicians (Loeb Classical Library)
Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford University Press.
Long, A. A., Sedley, D. N. — The Hellenistic Philosophers, Vol. 1: Translations of the Principal Sources with Philosophical Commentary. Cambridge University Press.
Annas, J., Barnes, J. — Sextus Empiricus: Outlines of Scepticism. Cambridge University Press.
Bett, R. — Pyrrho, His Antecedents, and His Legacy. Oxford University Press.
Hankinson, R. J. — The Sceptics. Routledge.