Combining Texts

Ideas for '', 'Briefings on Existence' and 'Powers'

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2 ideas

2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 4. Aims of Reason
Consensus is the enemy of thought [Badiou]
     Full Idea: Consensus is the enemy of thought.
     From: Alain Badiou (Briefings on Existence [1998], 2)
     A reaction: A nice slogan for bringing Enlightenment optimists to a halt. I am struck. Do I allow my own thinking to always be diverted towards something which might result in a consensus? Do I actually (horror!) prefer consensus to truth?
2. Reason / D. Definition / 4. Real Definition
A real definition gives all the properties that constitute an identity [Molnar]
     Full Idea: A real definition expresses the sum of the properties that constitute the identity of the thing defined.
     From: George Molnar (Powers [1998], 1.4.4)
     A reaction: This is a standard modern view among modern essentialists, and one which I believe can come into question. It seems to miss out the fact that an essence will also explain the possible functions and behaviours of a thing. Explanation seems basic.