more from Thomas Nagel

Single Idea 3241

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / b. Philosophy as transcendent]

Full Idea

We are trying to climb outside of our own minds, an effort that some would regard as insane and that I regard as philosophically fundamental.

Gist of Idea

It seems mad, but the aim of philosophy is to climb outside of our own minds

Source

Thomas Nagel (The View from Nowhere [1986], Intro)

Book Reference

Nagel,Thomas: 'The View from Nowhere' [OUP 1989], p.11


A Reaction

It is not only philosophers who do this. It is an essential feature of the mind, and is inherent in the concept of truth.