Single Idea 17992

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / c. Philosophy as generalisation]

Full Idea

It seems to me that the most important and interesting thing which philosophers have tried to do ...is to give a general description of the whole of the Universe.

Gist of Idea

The main aim of philosophy is to describe the whole Universe.

Source

G.E. Moore (Some Main Problems of Philosophy [1911], Ch. 1)

Book Reference

Moore,G.E.: 'Some Main Problems of Philosophy' [George Allen and Unwin 1953], p.1


A Reaction

He adds that they aim to show what is in it, and what might be in it, and how the two relate. This sort of big view is the one I favour. I think the hallmark of philosophical thought is a high level of generality. He next proceeds to defend common sense.