Single Idea 23269

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / a. Philosophy as worldly]

Full Idea

True philosophers concern themselves first and foremost to take clearly observed facts as their point of departure.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy must start from clearly observed facts

Source

Galen (The soul's dependence on the body [c.170], Kiv.11.817)

Book Reference

Galen: 'Selected Works of Galen', ed/tr. Singer,P.N. [OUP 1997], p.173


A Reaction

I love this one, especially the desire that the facts be 'clearly observed'. That, thank goodness, eliminates quantum mechanics. If you don't love history and the physical sciences, you are not a philosopher. Oh, and reliable gossip.