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Single Idea 2510

[from 'Realistic Rationalism' by Jerrold J. Katz, in 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 3. Philosophy Defined ]

Full Idea

The traditional conception of philosophy is that it is an a priori enquiry into the most general facts about reality.

Clarification

'A priori' means done by pure thinking, rather than practical research

Gist of Idea

Traditionally philosophy is an a priori enquiry into general truths about reality

Source

Jerrold J. Katz (Realistic Rationalism [2000], Int.xi)

Book Reference

Katz,Jerrold J.: 'Realistic Rationalism' [MIT 2000], p.-24


A Reaction

I think this still defines philosophy, though it also highlights the weakness of the subject, which is over-confidence about asserting necessary truths. How could the most god-like areas of human thought be about anything else?