Single Idea 21473

[catalogued under 14. Science / D. Explanation / 1. Explanation / a. Explanation]

Full Idea

The fundament upon which all our knowledge and learning rests is the inexplicable. It is to this that every explanation, through few or many intermediary stages, leads.

Gist of Idea

All knowledge and explanation rests on the inexplicable

Source

Arthur Schopenhauer (Parerga and Paralipomena [1851], I:1)

Book Reference

Schopenhauer,Arthur: 'Essays and Aphorisms [from Pand P]', ed/tr. Hollingdale,R.J. [Penguin 1970], p.117


A Reaction

This is obviously true, and the only question is whether it is a necessary or a contingent truth.

Related Idea

Idea 21474 Metaphysics studies the inexplicable ends of explanation [Schopenhauer]