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Single Idea 5189
[filed under theme 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / e. Philosophy as reason
]
Full Idea
We can overthrow speculative philosophy, and see that the function of philosophy is wholly critical.
Gist of Idea
Philosophers should abandon speculation, as philosophy is wholly critical
Source
A.J. Ayer (Language,Truth and Logic [1936], Ch.2)
Book Ref
Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.65
A Reaction
This seems to imply that we CAN speculate, which appeared to be rendered impossible by the verification principle. Personally I think speculation is central to philosophy, but Ayer should always stand as a warning against bogus truth-claims.
The
18 ideas
with the same theme
[philosophy explores where reason take us]:
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15447
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We shouldn't always follow where the argument leads!
[Lewis on Plato]
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23767
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The winds of the discussion should decide its destination
[Plato]
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5891
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Philosophy is the collection of rational arguments
[Cicero]
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17240
|
Definitions are the first step in philosophy
[Hobbes]
|
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5631
|
Reason is only interested in knowledge, actions and hopes
[Kant]
|
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21406
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Because there is only one human reason, there can only be one true philosophy from principles
[Kant]
|
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6184
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Consistency is the highest obligation of a philosopher
[Kant]
|
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21753
|
If we look at the world rationally, the world assumes a rational aspect
[Hegel]
|
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19241
|
An idea on its own isn't an idea, because they are continuous systems
[Peirce]
|
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24143
|
Thinkers might agree some provisional truths, as methodological assumptions
[Nietzsche]
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17641
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Discoveries in mathematics can challenge philosophy, and offer it a new foundation
[Russell]
|
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5189
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Philosophers should abandon speculation, as philosophy is wholly critical
[Ayer]
|
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21896
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Philosophy aims to build foundations for thought
[Derrida, by May]
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15209
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Like disastrous small errors in navigation, small misunderstandings can wreck intellectual life
[Harré/Madden]
|
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9808
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Philosophy aims to reveal the grandeur of mathematics
[Badiou]
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6851
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We overvalue whether arguments are valid, and undervalue whether they are interesting
[Monk]
|
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9593
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Progress in philosophy is incremental, not an immature seeking after drama
[Williamson]
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6855
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Interesting philosophers hardly every give you explicitly valid arguments
[Martin,M]
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