Single Idea 23355

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 3. Philosophy Defined]

Full Idea

Things are judged and weighed, when we have the standards ready. This is the task of philosophy: to examine and establish the standards.

Gist of Idea

The task of philosophy is to establish standards, as occurs with weights and measures

Source

Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 2.11.24)

Book Reference

Epictetus: 'The Discourses, The Handbook, Fragments', ed/tr. Gill,C [Everyman 1995], p.100


A Reaction

It is interesting that this gives philosophers a very specific social role, and also that it seems to identify epistemology as First Philosophy. Other disciplines, of course, establish their own standards without reference to philosophy.