Single Idea 6575

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 7. Despair over Philosophy]

Full Idea

Not only is traditional philosophy incapable of discovering the foundations it seeks, but the philosophical enterprise may itself dislodge the contingent, de facto supports that our daily life depends upon.

Clarification

'De facto' means 'in actual fact' (as opposed to 'according to the rules')

Gist of Idea

Philosophy may never find foundations, and may undermine our lives in the process

Source

Robert Fogelin (Walking the Tightrope of Reason [2003], Ch.2)

Book Reference

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.67


A Reaction

In the end Fogelin is not so pessimistic, but he is worried by the concern of philosophers with paradox and contradiction. I don't remotely consider this a reason to reject philosophy, but it might be a reason to keep it sealed off from daily life.