Single Idea 2151

[catalogued under 2. Reason / C. Styles of Reason / 1. Dialectic]

Full Idea

Dialectic is the only field of inquiry whose quest for certainty causes it to uproot the things it takes for granted in the course of its journey.

Clarification

'Dialectic' is the impersonal pursuit of truth

Gist of Idea

Dialectic is the only method of inquiry which uproots the things which it takes for granted

Source

Plato (The Republic [c.371 BCE], 533c)

Book Reference

Plato: 'Republic', ed/tr. Waterfield,Robin [OUP 1993], p.266