Combining Texts

Ideas for 'fragments/reports', 'De Corpore (Elements, First Section)' and 'Of Organum or Ars Magna of Thinking'

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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 / 1. Nature of Analysis

5021	An idea is analysed perfectly when it is shown a priori that it is possible [Leibniz]
	Full Idea: Every idea is analysed perfectly only when it is demonstrated a priori that it is possible.
	From: Gottfried Leibniz (Of Organum or Ars Magna of Thinking [1679], p.3)
	A reaction: I take it he means metaphysical possibility, rather than natural, or we can't think about pigs flying. He probably has maths in mind. Seeing the possibility of something may well amount to understanding its truth conditions.