Single Idea 9184

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 4. Conceptual Analysis]

Full Idea

We have no prior reason to suppose that philosophically significant concepts have interesting analyses into necessary and sufficient conditions.

Gist of Idea

We can't presume that all interesting concepts can be analysed

Source

Timothy Williamson (Review of Bob Hale's 'Abstract Objects' [1988])

Book Reference

-: 'Mind' [-], p.487


A Reaction

We might think that they are either analysable or primitive, and that failure of analysis invites us to take a concept as primitive. But maybe God can analyse it and we can't.