Combining Texts

Ideas for 'Understanding and Essence', 'De Corpore (Elements, First Section)' and 'Letters to Bentley'

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2 ideas

1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 5. Aims of Philosophy / e. Philosophy as reason

17240	Definitions are the first step in philosophy [Hobbes]
	Full Idea: In beginning philosophy, the first beginning is from definitions.
	From: Thomas Hobbes (De Corpore (Elements, First Section) [1655], 1.6.15)
	A reaction: Note that he doesn't say that definitions are the aim of philosophy, as some analysts might think.

1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 4. Conceptual Analysis

19259	If 2-D conceivability can a priori show possibilities, this is a defence of conceptual analysis [Vaidya]
	Full Idea: Chalmers' two-dimensional conceivability account of possibility offers a defence of a priori conceptual analysis, and foundations on which a priori philosophy can be furthered.
	From: Anand Vaidya (Understanding and Essence [2010], Intro)
	A reaction: I think I prefer Williamson's more scientific account of possibility through counterfactual conceivability, rather than Chalmers' optimistic a priori account. Deep topic, though, and the jury is still out.