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Single Idea 22521
[filed under theme 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 1. Nature of Analysis
]
Full Idea
The method of inquiry that has guided us elsewhere is … that a composite must be analyzed until we reach things that are incomposite, since these are the smallest parts of the whole.
Gist of Idea
Our method of inquiry is to examine the smallest parts that make up the whole
Source
Aristotle (Politics [c.332 BCE], 1252a18)
Book Ref
Aristotle: 'Politics', ed/tr. Reeve,C.D.C. [Hackett 2017], p.2
A Reaction
Aristotle studies things, and aims to reveal their essential natures, so this is part of his method. You still have to grasp the essential natures of the atoms that compose the whole, however. To understand a city, understand people.
The
17 ideas
with the same theme
[strategy and value of breaking down ideas and reality]:
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5842
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Philosophical discussion involves dividing subject-matter into categories
[Socrates, by Xenophon]
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22521
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Our method of inquiry is to examine the smallest parts that make up the whole
[Aristotle]
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12997
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Analysis is the art of finding the middle term
[Leibniz]
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5021
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An idea is analysed perfectly when it is shown a priori that it is possible
[Leibniz]
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6118
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Philosophy is logical analysis, followed by synthesis
[Russell]
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6420
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Only by analysing is progress possible in philosophy
[Russell]
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6432
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Analysis gives new knowledge, without destroying what we already have
[Russell]
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14122
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Analysis gives us nothing but the truth - but never the whole truth
[Russell]
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7527
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Analysis for Moore and Russell is carving up the world, not investigating language
[Moore,GE, by Monk]
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19193
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Disputes that fail to use precise scientific terminology are all meaningless
[Tarski]
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13750
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Analysis aims at the structure of facts, which are needed to give a rationale to analysis
[Urmson, by Schaffer,J]
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8460
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Philosophers have given precise senses to deduction, probability, computability etc
[Quine/Ullian]
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12773
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Analytic philosophy has an exceptional arsenal of critical tools
[Fraassen]
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15545
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Armstrong's analysis seeks truthmakers rather than definitions
[Lewis]
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16288
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Analysis reduces primitives and makes understanding explicit (without adding new knowledge)
[Lewis]
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12865
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Analytic philosophers may prefer formal systems because natural language is such mess
[Simons]
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22334
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Analysis must include definitions, search for simples, concept analysis, and Kant's analysis
[Glock]
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