Single Idea 22102

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

Full Idea

There is no better way of uncovering the truth and keeping falsity in check than by arguing with people who disagree with you.

Gist of Idea

Arguing with opponents uncovers truths, and restrains falsehoods

Source

Thomas Aquinas (On the spiritual perfection of life [1268], 26), quoted by Kretzmann/Stump - Aquinas, Thomas 05

Book Reference

'Shorter Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Craig,Edward [Routledge 2005], p.35


A Reaction

Not the sort of attitude you associate with medieval scholastics, who are presumed to be dogmatists. How many modern philosophers actually have the courage to follow this advice?