Reading Philosophical Texts

Front

What are the two types of problems encountered in philosophical reading?

Back

Terminological and logico-conceptual problems.

Front

What is a common accusation against philosophers regarding their language?

Back

They are often accused of using 'big' words that baffle the ordinary man.

Front

What is the first terminological problem beginners may encounter?

Back

Certain technical terms such as 'analytic' and 'a priori' may sound strange.

Front

How does the meaning of the term 'categories' differ between Aristotle and Kant?

Back

In Aristotle's philosophy, 'categories' has a different meaning than in Kant's philosophy.

Front

What is a Platonic idea?

Back

A Platonic idea is an item that exists in a special, eternal realm.

Front

What is a Lockean idea?

Back

A Lockean idea is an item in the human stream of consciousness, discovered and known by introspection.

Front

What are traditional terms in philosophy?

Back

Terms whose meanings are found within a particular tradition of thought.

Front

What is an example of a traditional term used by René Descartes?

Back

Terms such as 'efficient cause', 'total cause', 'actual reality', and 'formal reality'.

Front

What new terms did Husserl introduce in philosophy?

Back

Terms such as 'intentionality', 'noesis', and 'noema'.

Front

What is the first suggestion for overcoming terminological problems in philosophical texts?

Back

Attempt to reconstruct the meaning of a term in the broader context in which it appears.