Single Idea 19445

[catalogued under 2. Reason / C. Styles of Reason / 1. Dialectic]

Full Idea

A thinker is a dialectician only insofar as he is his own opponent.

Gist of Idea

A dialectician has to be his own opponent

Source

Ludwig Feuerbach (Towards a Critique of Hegel's Philosophy [1839], p.72)

Book Reference

Feuerbach,Ludwig: 'The Fiery Brook: Selected Writings', ed/tr. Hanfi,Zawar [Anchor 1972], p.72


A Reaction

Quite an inspirational slogan for beginners in philosophy. How many non-philosophers are willing to be their own opponent. In law courts and the House of Commons we assign the roles to separate persons. Hence rhetoric replaces reason?