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Ideas for 'Metaphysics', 'Inexpressible Properties and Propositions' and 'Principles of Philosophy of the Future'

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2 ideas

22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / b. Successful function
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.
22. Metaethics / B. Value / 2. Values / g. Love
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.