What Kripke fails to see is that by denying just such a fact Wittgenstein is not agreeing with the skeptic, but rather calling into question the very assumption that there is such a fact. — Fooloso4
Mathematics, it seems to me, is like them in that respect - it adds to its traditions without superseding them — Ludwig V
It is true, of course, that mathematics often turns out to be useful, but I can't accept that that is its point — Ludwig V
... but still gives a purchase to the idea the philosophy should make progress. — Ludwig V
Philosophy hasn't made any progress? - If somebody scratches the spot where he has an itch, do we have to see some progress? Isn't genuine scratching otherwise, or genuine itching itching? And can't this reaction to an irritation continue in the same way for a long time before a cure for the itching is discovered? (Culture and Value)
it seems not.First meanings are governed by learned conventions or regularities. The systematic knowledge or competence of the speaker or interpreter is learned in advance of occasions of interpretation and is conventional in character. — Davidson, A Nice Derangement of Epitaphs
This supposes that there is what we might call a categorical (as in unqualified) interpretation of Wittgenstein (Plato, Quine...). It's the existence of such that is being questioned. — Banno
In On Certainty Wittgenstein addresses examines claims about such things as knowledge and certainty. — Fooloso4
Is there a Philosophical Investigations, or are there only un-detached Philosophical Investigationsparts? — Banno
This does not mean that there is or ever will be an interpretation without problems. — Fooloso4
Haha! Certainly not after a career in philosophy... :lol:Is there a Philosophical Investigations, or are there only un-detached Philosophical Investigations parts?
— Banno
I'm not sure I want to answer that question. — Ludwig V
I think the point is that the themes in the Investigations are linked and interwoven. That's one of the strengths of his writing. — Ludwig V
“Those queer things that are called the eyes, and which exist to make an agreeable depression in the face, are diseased, in the case of Nunez, in such a way as to affect his brain. They are greatly distended, he has eyelashes, and his eyelids move, and consequently his brain is in a state of constant irritation and distraction.”
“Yes?” said old Yacob. “Yes?”
“And I think I may say with reasonable certainty that, in order to cure him complete, all that we need to do is a simple and easy surgical operation--namely, to remove these irritant bodies.”
“And then he will be sane?”
“Then he will be perfectly sane, and a quite admirable citizen.”
“Thank Heaven for science!” said old Yacob, and went forth at once to tell Nunez of his happy hopes.
.. the Department had to attract more students, and so was to both accept students with less ability and offer less demanding courses. — Banno
the Department had to attract more students, and so was to both accept students with less ability and offer less demanding courses — Banno
The result is apparent in this forum. Folk think philosophy easy, a topic for dabbling dilettanti — Banno
It's just preferable to argue about the meaning of "gavagai" on a full belly. That's pretty much the reason i decided not to pursue academia. — Banno
Folk think philosophy easy, a topic for dabbling dilettanti. — Banno
To be more specific, It's clear that there are folk here with little formal education, yet they are engaging with material outside of the forums, and growing in their understanding of philosophical issues. Ire should perhaps properly be reserved for those who drop in to the forum supposing themselves to have the answers, which are of course obvious and simple and we should have already seen them, silly us.In any case, philosophy, like sport and classical music benefits from a lively fan base and surely should be available to as many people as possible. — Ludwig V
Philosophy is like..... — Banno
..... supposing themselves to have the answers — Banno
:up: There are two things about philosophy that are not quite polite to mention. But they are important, nonetheless. Answers are not the point, and in fact are the death of philosophy. Similarly, agreement about the answers are welcome as an episode, but disagreement is what keeps us going. — Ludwig V
philosophy must offer answers in order to generate new questions. — Joshs
I agree with that. But then, an answer that is correct, job done, doesn't generate new questions. — Ludwig V
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