Single Idea 15003

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 6. Metaphysics as Conceptual]

Full Idea

It has always seemed odd that insight into the fundamental workings of the universe should be gained by reflection on how we think and speak.

Gist of Idea

It seems unlikely that the way we speak will give insights into the universe

Source

Theodore Sider (Writing the Book of the World [2011], 07.8)

Book Reference

Sider,Theodore: 'Writing the Book of the World' [OUP 2011], p.123


A Reaction

A nice expression of what should by now be obvious to all philosophers - that analysis of language is not going to reveal very much. It is merely clearing the undergrowth so that we can go somewhere.