more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
In beginning philosophy, the first beginning is from definitions.
Gist of Idea
Definitions are the first step in philosophy
Source
Thomas Hobbes (De Corpore (Elements, First Section) [1655], 1.6.15)
Book Ref
Hobbes,Thomas: 'Metaphysical Writings', ed/tr. Calkins,Mary Whiton [Open Court 1905], p.35
A Reaction
Note that he doesn't say that definitions are the aim of philosophy, as some analysts might think.