Single Idea 13919

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 6. Metaphysics as Conceptual]

Full Idea

The central task of philosophy is the cultivation of insights into natures or essences, and not the 'analysis of concepts', with which it is apt to be confused.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy aims not at the 'analysis of concepts', but at understanding the essences of things

Source

E.J. Lowe (Two Notions of Being: Entity and Essence [2008], 1)

Book Reference

'Being: Developments in Contemporary Metaphysics', ed/tr. Le Poidevin,R [CUP 2008], p.33


A Reaction

This immediately strikes me as a false dichotomy. I like the idea of trying to understand the true natures of things, but how are we going to do it in our armchairs?