[lit-ideas] Re: What is philosophy? Susan Langer writes....
- From: Phil Enns <phil.enns@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: lit-ideas@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2006 08:18:19 -0400
Robert Paul wrote:
"Phil Enns responds to John's complaint that the referent of the expression
'serious philosopher' is nowhere described by retorting that 'serious
philosopher' is precise enough for government work and that 'modern
philosopher' is no more precise. (Take that!)"
Not quite. My point is that it is odd to require, for the purposes of this
discussion, more precision regarding the meaning of the expression 'serious
philosopher' when the expression 'modern philosopher' is taken to be
sufficiently precise to make the argument. Discussions take place with
varying degrees of precision, but presumably one ought not to expect of
one's interlocuter more precision than oneself is willing to give.
It seems to me that Walter's use of the expression 'serious philosopher' is
not meant to be precise, picking out a particular class of individuals, but
useful for making a general distinction. To ask of him to list criteria for
seriousness strikes me as being on the same level as asking for criteria for
warmness.
Of course, I could be wrong, and Walter does have particular criteria in
mind. In which case, nevermind.
Sincerely,
Phil Enns
Glen Haven, NS
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