Single Idea 11832

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 4. Conceptual Analysis]

Full Idea

We can achieve a lot by elucidations that put a concept to use without attempting to reduce it but, in using the concept, exhibit its connexions with other concepts that are established.

Gist of Idea

We learn a concept's relations by using it, without reducing it to anything

Source

David Wiggins (Sameness and Substance Renewed [2001], Pr.3)

Book Reference

Wiggins,David: 'Sameness and Substance Renewed' [CUP 2001], p.5


A Reaction

This seems to be the best line of defence for analytic philosophy, given the much-cited observation that no one has successful reduced any concept by pure analysis.