I remember reading one of bishop Berkleys Q&A type platonic style dialogues and that was very clear. — Swanty
Tsk, tsk. A categorical statement. You have stated your case, now make it: show us; prove it.But basically they [Kant and Hegel] are bad writers! — Swanty
It's not "a conclusion." It's my observation about me and my experience. I have similar difficulty reading set theory proofs. In neither case do I suppose either badly written, only that I have trouble understanding them. The corollary being that if I worked at it, I'd more easily understand. But life is short and work is much, many, and long, so I make my choices. And I'm often contented that others do understand and understand better than I do.You say you find Hegel impenetrable. How have you come to this conclusion? — Swanty
For you. I'm obliged to wonder whether, if you think their ideas are so easily compressible, you really understand them.But both could have explained their ideas far clearer and with more brevity. — Swanty
I think it's pretty clear where the problem is. As if their texts were like weights in a gym, heavier than most, and you complained, "My gosh but these are difficult - they should be lighter!" No. they're difficult because they're heavier. You just need to get stronger, but as you're young, keep at it and you'll get it.They are bad writers because they don't summarise their ideas with clarity, but waffle on for pages and pages. — Swanty
Because they sell. Period.B&N still stocks.... — Swanty
I'm suspicious of long winded writers,it's like a long list of apologies and overwrought justifications,showing how the writer is unsure of his ideas! — Swanty
That's right. And I can whistle Beethoven's Ninth. The trouble comes when folks are dismissive because of length. Short, sweet (maybe), and simple - that's how it should be. Is that what your girlfriend thinks?Long writings on the philosophical topics tend to be counter productive in its clarity. Usually long writings get avoided and misunderstood by the readers. CPR could have been written in 10 pages prolegomena instead of 800 pages and in two versions. — Corvus
That's right. And I can whistle Beethoven's Ninth. The trouble comes when folks are dismissive because of length. Short, sweet (maybe), and simple - that's how it should be. Is that what your girlfriend thinks? — tim wood
Do you think there is any psychological reason for an overblown style? — Swanty
There is no originals in Philosophy. All philosophy is interpretation and critique of the world.Also arising is the question of the quality of the secondary source; not all are right and some are plain wrong. And how would anyone know without access to the original? — tim wood
Long way round is the longest with no ending. What may look best today might turn out to be claptrap tomorrow. Stay open minded. :Dsometimes the seeming long way 'round is the shortest and best. — tim wood
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