back to ideas for this text


Single Idea 572

[from 'Metaphysics' by Aristotle, in 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 3. Philosophy Defined ]

Full Idea

Philosophy differs from dialectic in the manner of its powers, and from sophistry in the choice of life that it involves.

Clarification

'Dialectic' is a technique of argument, and 'sophistry' is false argument aimed at persuasion rather than truth

Gist of Idea

Philosophy has different powers from dialectic, and a different life from sophistry

Source

Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1004b17)

Book Reference

Aristotle: 'Metaphysics', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,Hugh [Penguin 1998], p.84


A Reaction

Note the separation of dialectic from the heart of philosophy, and the claim that philosophy is a way of life.