Combining Philosophers

All the ideas for Lao Tzu, Demetris Portides and Stephen S. Colvin

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28 ideas

1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 2. Wise People
6319 Wise people choose inaction and silence [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6325 One who knows does not speak; one who speaks does not know [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 7. Despair over Philosophy
6321 Vulgar people are alert; I alone am muddled [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 2. Possibility of Metaphysics
20728 Metaphysics is hopeless with its present epistemology; common-sense realism is needed [Colvin]
7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 2. Realism
20726 We can only distinguish self from non-self if there is an inflexible external reality [Colvin]
20727 Common-sense realism rests on our interests and practical life [Colvin]
7. Existence / D. Theories of Reality / 4. Anti-realism
20729 Arguments that objects are unknowable or non-existent assume the knower's existence [Colvin]
20730 If objects are doubted because their appearances change, that presupposes one object [Colvin]
20731 The idea that everything is relations is contradictory; relations are part of the concept of things [Colvin]
11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 1. Knowledge
6328 To know yet to think that one does not know is best [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
6323 Pursuit of learning increases activity; the Way decreases it [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 7. Scientific Models
17499 Theoretical models can represent, by mapping onto the data-models [Portides]
17498 In the 'received view' models are formal; the 'semantic view' emphasises representation [Portides, by PG]
17501 Representational success in models depends on success of their explanations [Portides]
17502 The best model of the atomic nucleus is the one which explains the most results [Portides]
17496 'Model' belongs in a family of concepts, with representation, idealisation and abstraction [Portides]
17497 Models are theory-driven, or phenomenological (more empirical and specific) [Portides]
14. Science / D. Explanation / 2. Types of Explanation / i. Explanations by mechanism
17500 General theories may be too abstract to actually explain the mechanisms [Portides]
19. Language / F. Communication / 1. Rhetoric
6331 Truth is not beautiful; beautiful speech is not truthful [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / e. Death
6330 One with no use for life is wiser than one who values it [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / g. Love
6327 Do good to him who has done you an injury [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 1. Virtue Theory / a. Nature of virtue
23402 The highest virtue is achieved without effort [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue
6324 To gain in goodness, treat as good those who are good, and those who are not [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / g. Desires
6322 There is no crime greater than having too many desires [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / a. Autocracy
6320 The best rulers are invisible, the next admired, the next feared, and the worst are exploited [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 3. Government / a. Government
6329 People are hard to govern because authorities love to do things [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 2. The Law / a. Legal system
6326 The better known the law, the more criminals there are [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]
25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / e. Peace
23401 A military victory is not a thing of beauty [Laozi (Lao Tzu)]