You can't choose up sides on a round world.
Wayne DyerRead
Philosophy attempts, not to discover new truths about the world, but to gain a clear view of what we already know and believe about it. That depends upon attaining a more explicit grasp of the structure of our thoughts; and that in turn on discovering how to give a systematic account of the working of language, the medium in which we express our thoughts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Philosophy seeks to clarify our existing beliefs rather than uncover new truths, focusing on understanding the language we use to express those beliefs.
This quote by Michael Dummett emphasizes the role of philosophy as a discipline that aims not merely to find new truths, but to attain clarity about our existing beliefs and thoughts. To achieve this clarity, one must analyze the structure of their thinking and how language functions, as language is the primary medium through which we articulate our ideas and convictions. Thus, philosophy serves to enhance our understanding of the beliefs we hold by providing a systematic framework to evaluate them.
Themes
PhilosophyThoughtLanguageTruthBelief
In practice
Example use cases
In a philosophy class discussing the nature of knowledge, this quote can be used to highlight the importance of examining our existing beliefs.
Similar quotes
Each of us has interests which conflict the interests of everybody else... 'everybody else' we call 'society'. It's a powerful opponent and it always wins. Oh, here and there an individual prevails for a while and gets what he wants. Sometimes he storms the culture of a society and changes it to his own advantage. But society wins in the long run, for it has the advantage of numbers and of age.
B. F. SkinnerRead
For you know only a heap of broken images
T. S. EliotRead
I believe that all is illusion and vanity outside the treasure of truths slowly accumulated, and which will never again be lost. I believe that the sum of these truths, always increasing, will at last confer on man incalculable power and peace, if not happiness. Yes, I believe in the final triumph of life.
Emile ZolaRead
A man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his appetite.
Leo TolstoyRead
Everybody who went to Vietnam carries his or her own version of the war. Only 10 percent engaged in combat; the American elephant, pursuing the Vietnamese grasshopper, was extraordinarily heavy with logistical support.
Pete HamillRead