Which cynics explains what it means for a claim to be debatable
A cynical explanation for a claim being debatable would be that it means anyone can argue about it, even if they have no idea what they're talking about. It's an invitation for people to waste their time disagreeing with each other without ever reaching a conclusion. In other words, it's just another way for people to feel important by pretending to have an opinion on something.
One philosopher who discusses the concept of debatability is Sextus Empiricus. Sextus Empiricus was a Greek philosopher who was part of the philosophical school known as Pyrrhonism, which was a form of skepticism. According to Sextus Empiricus, for a claim to be debatable, it means that there are plausible arguments on both sides of the issue, which prevent us from reaching a certain and definitive conclusion.
In Sextus Empiricus' view, all claims are subject to doubt and are equally plausible and implausible. He argued that by suspending judgment and adopting a state of epoché, we can avoid dogmatism and remain open-minded towards different perspectives. This allows us to engage in genuine debate and evaluate different arguments and evidence without assuming a fixed position.
Sextus Empiricus believed that since there are always reasons to doubt our beliefs, it is better to withhold judgment. This means that debatability is not necessarily a negative thing, but rather a recognition that knowledge and certainty are elusive and that adopting a stance of skepticism can lead to a more humble and intellectually honest approach to inquiry.