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Single Idea 23563

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

Full Idea

There is a two-way movement in philosophy, a movement towards the building of elaborate theories, and a move back again towards the consideration of simple and obvious facts.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy moves continually between elaborate theories and the obvious facts

Source

Iris Murdoch (The Sovereignty of Good [1970], I)

Book Ref

Murdoch,Iris: 'The Sovereignty of Good' [RKP 1974], p.1

A Reaction

Nice. Without the theories there is no philosophy, but without continual reference back to the obvious facts the theories are worthless.

The 15 ideas from 'The Sovereignty of Good'

23563 Philosophy moves continually between elaborate theories and the obvious facts [Murdoch]
22338 An unexamined life can be virtuous [Murdoch]
22337 Philosophy must keep returning to the beginning [Murdoch]
22341 Literature is the most important aspect of culture, because it teaches understanding of living [Murdoch]
22339 Love is a central concept in morals [Murdoch]
22343 If I attend properly I will have no choices [Murdoch]
22340 It is hard to learn goodness from others, because their virtues are part of their personal history [Murdoch]
22342 Kantian existentialists care greatly for reasons for action, whereas Surrealists care nothing [Murdoch]
22345 Moral philosophy needs a central concept with all the traditional attributes of God [Murdoch]
22348 Ordinary human love is good evidence of transcendent goodness [Murdoch]
22347 Appreciating beauty in art or nature opens up the good life, by restricting selfishness [Murdoch]
22346 Moral reflection and experience gradually reveals unity in the moral world [Murdoch]
22351 Only a philosopher might think choices create values [Murdoch]
22350 Only trivial virtues can be possessed on their own [Murdoch]
22349 Art trains us in the love of virtue [Murdoch]