Single Idea 16604

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

Full Idea

The history of philosophy consists in a series of choices between three primordial rivals: Plato, Aristotle and Democritus.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy consists of choosing between Plato, Aristotle and Democritus

Source

Robert Pasnau (Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 [2011], 05.1)

Book Reference

Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.77


A Reaction

Pasnau's point is that the importance of Democritus is not usually appreciated. As far as I can see, Democritus may have been the greatest of all philosophers, but most of his works are lost. His fragments are the best fragments.

Related Idea

Idea 18730 The history of philosophy only matters if the subject is a choice between rival theories [Wittgenstein]