Single Idea 19620

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 3. Metaphysical Systems]

Full Idea

The great philosophical systems are no more than brilliant tautologies.

Gist of Idea

Great systems of philosophy are just brilliant tautologies

Source

E.M. Cioran (A Short History of Decay [1949], 1 'Farewell')

Book Reference

Cioran,E.M.: 'A Short History of Decay', ed/tr. Howard,Richard [Penguin 2010], p.50


A Reaction

This makes them sound pointless, but the terms used in the system all have some kind of reference, so the systems are in some way about the world, and not mere private games. At the very least, they are a wonderful branch of poetry.

Related Idea

Idea 19621 Originality in philosophy is just the invention of terms [Cioran]