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5687
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For true introspection, must we be aware that we are aware of our mental events? [Shoemaker]
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Full Idea:
Some writers distinguish introspection from a pre-introspective awareness of mental phenomena, saying one is not properly introspecting unless one is not only aware of the phenomena, but aware that one is aware of them.
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From:
Sydney Shoemaker (Introspection [1994], p.395)
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A reaction:
The test question might be what we think animals do. I think I agree with the 'writers'. You are either just aware of the contents or qualia or images of thought, which is not introspection, or you become introspectively aware that you are having them.
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5688
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Empirical foundationalism says basic knowledge is self-intimating, and incorrigible or infallible [Shoemaker]
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Full Idea:
Foundationalist epistemology takes all empirical knowledge to be grounded in the introspective knowledge each mind has of its own states, …holding that introspective judgements are 'incorrigible' or 'infallible', and mental states are 'self-intimating'.
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From:
Sydney Shoemaker (Introspection [1994], p.396)
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A reaction:
Descartes' foundationalist Cogito also seems to be based on introspection, making introspection the essence of all foundationalism. The standard modern view is that introspective states are incorrigible, but not infallible.
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20759
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Feelings are prior to intelligence; we should be content to live with our simplest feelings [Rousseau]
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Full Idea:
To exist is to feel, our feeling is undoubtedly earlier than our intelligence, and we had feelings before we had ideas. …Let us be simpler and less pretentious; let us be content with the first feelings we experience in ourselves.
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From:
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Emile: treatise on education [1762], p.210), quoted by Kevin Aho - Existentialism: an introduction 6 'Moods'
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A reaction:
Beginning of the sentimental movement, and precursor to romanticism, but here seen as the basis for the existentialist concept of authenticity. Wallowing in emotions doesn't appeal to me, but you have to make space for them. Rousseau loved walking.
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19854
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We all owe labour in return for our keep, and every idle citizen is a thief [Rousseau]
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Full Idea:
In a society where a man has to live at others' expense, he owes in labour the price of his keep; and that is without exception. Work, then, is an indispensable social obligation. Rich or poor, powerful or weak, every idle citizen is a thief.
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From:
Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Emile: treatise on education [1762], Bk III)
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A reaction:
Presumably rich landowners who live on rents can justify their position by good husbandry, at a higher level than tilling the soil. But Bertie Wooster won't last long in Rousseau's new world. This is a big challenge to the welfare state.
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