Full Idea
Since it is reason that analyses and completes all other things, reason itself should not be left unanalysed. But by what shall it be analysed? ..That is why philosophers put logic first, just as when measuring grain we first examine the measure.
Gist of Idea
Because reason performs all analysis, we should analyse reason - but how?
Source
Epictetus (The Discourses [c.56], 1.17.01)
Book Reference
Epictetus: 'The Discourses, The Handbook, Fragments', ed/tr. Gill,C [Everyman 1995], p.41
A Reaction
The problem of the definitive metre rule in Paris. I say we have to test reason against the physical world, and the measure of reason is truth. Something has to be primitive, but reason is too vague for that role. Idea 23344 agrees with me!
Related Idea
Idea 23344 Reason itself must be compounded from some of our impressions [Epictetus]