Full Idea
The notion that philosophy can be done cooperatively, in the manner of scientists or engineers engaged in a research project, seems to me absurd. And yet few philosophers can survive in isolation.
Gist of Idea
Philosophers working like teams of scientists is absurd, yet isolation is hard
Source
Richard Cartwright (Intro to 'Philosophical Essays' [1987], xxi)
Book Reference
Cartwright,Richard: 'Philosophical Essays' [MIT 1987], p.-6
A Reaction
This why Nietzsche said that philosophers were 'rare plants'.
Related Ideas
Idea 1576 If each of us can give some logos about parts of nature, our combined efforts can be impressive [Aristotle]
Idea 4520 I don't want to persuade anyone to be a philosopher; they should be rare plants [Nietzsche]