display all the ideas for this combination of texts
2 ideas
15772 | A thing's active function is its end [Aristotle] |
Full Idea: A thing's active function is its end. | |
From: Aristotle (Metaphysics [c.324 BCE], 1050a16) | |
A reaction: This sort of remark is the basis of modern teleological functionalism about the mind. I think that is misguided. Don't define things by their function. They have functions because of intrinsic character. |
6927 | If you love nothing, it doesn't matter whether something exists or not [Feuerbach] |
Full Idea: To him who loves nothing it is all the same whether something does or does not exist. | |
From: Ludwig Feuerbach (Principles of Philosophy of the Future [1843], §33) | |
A reaction: This seems to me to be quite a good motto for the aim of education - just get them to love something, no matter what (well, almost!). Loving something, even if it is train-spotting, seems a good route to human happiness. |