Single Idea 2086

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 2. Analysis by Division]

Full Idea

A perfect grasp of any subject depends far more on knowing elements than on knowing complexes.

Gist of Idea

Understanding mainly involves knowing the elements, not their combinations

Source

Plato (Theaetetus [c.364 BCE], 206b)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Theaetetus', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [Penguin 1987], p.123