Single Idea 13860

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / C. History of Philosophy / 1. History of Philosophy]

Full Idea

We can learn from the work of philosophers of other periods only if we are prepared to run the risk of radical and almost inevitable misrepresentation of his thought.

Gist of Idea

We can only learn from philosophers of the past if we accept the risk of major misrepresentation

Source

Crispin Wright (Frege's Concept of Numbers as Objects [1983], Pref)

Book Reference

Wright,Crispin: 'Frege's Conception of Numbers' [Scots Philosophical Monographs 1983], p.-12


A Reaction

This sounds about right, and a motto for my own approach to Aristotle and Leibniz, but I see the effort as more collaborative than this suggests. Professional specialists in older philosophers are a vital part of the team. Read them!