Single Idea 10571

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 7. Limitations of Analysis]

Full Idea

It is often the case that the concern for rigor gets in the way of a true understanding of the phenomena to be explained.

Gist of Idea

Concern for rigour can get in the way of understanding phenomena

Source

Kit Fine (Replies on 'Limits of Abstraction' [2005], 2)

Book Reference

-: 'Philosophical Studies' [-], p.385


A Reaction

This is a counter to Timothy Williamson's love affair with rigour in philosophy. It strikes me as the big current question for analytical philosophy - of whether the intense pursuit of 'rigour' will actually deliver the wisdom we all seek.