Single Idea 7132

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / F. Analytic Philosophy / 4. Conceptual Analysis]

Full Idea

The last thing to dawn on philosophers is that they must no longer merely let themselves be given concepts, no longer just clean and clarify them, but first of all must make them, create them, present them and persuade in their favour.

Gist of Idea

Philosophers should create and fight for their concepts, not just clean and clarify them

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (Writings from Late Notebooks [1887], 34[195])

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'Writings from the Late Notebooks', ed/tr. Bittner,Rüdiger [CUP 2003], p.12


A Reaction

Compare the disagreement between Wittgenstein (Idea 2937) and Keith Ansell Pearson (Idea 6870). The trouble is that now every book you read is creating new concepts, which usually fail to catch on. I agree, though, with Nietzsche.

Related Ideas

Idea 2937 What we cannot speak about we must pass over in silence [Wittgenstein]

Idea 6870 I say (contrary to Wittgenstein) that philosophy expresses what we thought we must be silent about [Ansell Pearson on Wittgenstein]