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Single Idea 160
[filed under theme 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 2. Invocation to Philosophy
]
Full Idea
When I believe that I have found in anyone the ability to discuss unity and plurality as they exist in the nature of things, I follow his footsteps as if he was a god.
Clarification
This is the relationship between Forms and particulars
Gist of Idea
The highest ability in man is the ability to discuss unity and plurality in the nature of things
Source
Plato (Phaedrus [c.366 BCE], 266b)
Book Ref
Plato: 'Phaedrus and Letters VII and VIII', ed/tr. Hamilton,Walter [Penguin 1973], p.82
A Reaction
This sounds like the problem of identity, which is at the heart of modern metaphysics.
The
20 ideas
with the same theme
[encouragements to pursue philosophy]:
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7493
|
Let us reason together, saith the Lord
[Isaiah]
|
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1491
|
Everyone has the potential for self-knowledge and sound thinking
[Heraclitus]
|
|
343
|
The unexamined life is not worth living for men
[Socrates]
|
|
160
|
The highest ability in man is the ability to discuss unity and plurality in the nature of things
[Plato]
|
|
1642
|
We must fight fiercely for knowledge, understanding and intelligence
[Plato]
|
|
315
|
Philosophy is the supreme gift of the gods to mortals
[Plato]
|
|
1765
|
Diogenes said avoidance of philosophy is the lack of a desire to live properly
[Diogenes of Sin., by Diog. Laertius]
|
|
1695
|
Without extensive examination firm statements are hard, but studying the difficulties is profitable
[Aristotle]
|
|
1576
|
If each of us can give some logos about parts of nature, our combined efforts can be impressive
[Aristotle]
|
|
14052
|
Begin philosophy when you are young, and keep going when you are old
[Epicurus]
|
|
13291
|
Slavery to philosophy brings true freedom
[Epicurus]
|
|
14518
|
In the study of philosophy, pleasure and knowledge arrive simultaneously
[Epicurus]
|
|
7910
|
Pursue truth with the urgency of someone whose clothes are on fire
[Ashvaghosha]
|
|
3656
|
The greatest good for a state is true philosophers
[Descartes]
|
|
19395
|
Philosophy is sanctified, because it flows from God
[Leibniz]
|
|
2118
|
All other human gifts can harm us, but not correct reasoning
[Leibniz]
|
|
16000
|
Fixed ideas should be tackled aggressively
[Kierkegaard]
|
|
19250
|
Everything interesting should be recorded, with records that can be rearranged
[Peirce]
|
|
14861
|
Philosophy ennobles the world, by producing an artistic conception of our knowledge
[Nietzsche]
|
|
22338
|
An unexamined life can be virtuous
[Murdoch]
|