Combining Texts

All the ideas for 'Confessions of a Philosopher', 'No Understanding without Explanation' and 'Philosophy and Politics'

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8 ideas

11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 2. Understanding
Scientific understanding is always the grasping of a correct explanation [Strevens]
We may 'understand that' the cat is on the mat, but not at all 'understand why' it is there [Strevens]
Understanding is a precondition, comes in degrees, is active, and holistic - unlike explanation [Strevens]
16. Persons / C. Self-Awareness / 3. Limits of Introspection
Why don't we experience or remember going to sleep at night? [Magee]
24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 5. Democracy / f. Against democracy
Democratic institutions become impossible in a fanatical democracy [Russell]
24. Political Theory / D. Ideologies / 6. Liberalism / a. Liberalism basics
Liberal opinions are tentative rather than dogmatic, and are always responsive to new evidence [Russell]
Empiricist Liberalism is the only view for someone who favours scientific evidence and happiness [Russell]
Empiricism is ethically superior, because dogmatism favours persecution and hatred [Russell]