Single Idea 18005

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / a. Philosophy as worldly]

Full Idea

Philosophy is the replacement of category-habits by category-disciplines.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy aims to become more disciplined about categories

Source

Gilbert Ryle (The Concept of Mind [1949], Intro p.8), quoted by Ofra Magidor - Category Mistakes 1.2

Book Reference

Magidor,Ofra: 'Category Mistakes' [OUP 2013], p.10


A Reaction

I rather like this. It fits the view the idea that metaphysics aims to give the structure of reality. If there are not reasonably uniform categories for things, then reality is indescribable. Improving our categories seems a thoroughly laudable aim.