Full Idea
The study of philosophy has as its purpose to know not what people have thought, but rather the truth about the way things are.
Gist of Idea
Philosophy aims to know the truth about the way things are
Source
Thomas Aquinas (Sententia on 'De Caelo' [1268], I.22.228), quoted by Kretzmann/Stump - Aquinas, Thomas 05
Book Reference
'Shorter Routledge Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Craig,Edward [Routledge 2005], p.35
A Reaction
I agree with this deeply unfashionable opinion. Of course, modern investigations must be more sensitive to biases built into language, culture and conceptual schemes. But I am one of those sad old folks who still think truths can be stated.