Combining Texts

Ideas for 'The Fixation of Belief', 'The Elements of Law' and 'Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy'

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2 ideas

1. Philosophy / C. History of Philosophy / 4. Later European Philosophy / b. Seventeenth century philosophy
Hobbes created English-language philosophy [Hobbes, by Tuck]
     Full Idea: Hobbes created English-language philosophy.
     From: report of Thomas Hobbes (The Elements of Law [1640]) by Richard Tuck - Hobbes Pref
     A reaction: Tuck mentions Hooker as a predecessor in jurisprudence. Otherwise, an impressive label.
1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 3. Metaphysical Systems
Metaphysics does not rest on facts, but on what we are inclined to believe [Peirce]
     Full Idea: Metaphysical systems have not usually rested upon any observed facts, or not in any great degree. They are chiefly adopted because their fundamental propositions seem 'agreeable to reason', which means that which we find ourselves inclined to believe.
     From: Charles Sanders Peirce (The Fixation of Belief [1877], p.15)
     A reaction: This leads to Peirce's key claim - that we should allow our beliefs to be formed by something outside of ourselves. I don't share Peirce's contempt for metaphysics, which I take to be about the most abstract presuppositions of our ordinary beliefs.