more from Iris Murdoch

Single Idea 23563

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 3. Metaphysical Systems]

Full Idea

There is a two-way movement in philosophy, a movement towards the building of elaborate theories, and a move back again towards the consideration of simple and obvious facts.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy moves continually between elaborate theories and the obvious facts

Source

Iris Murdoch (The Sovereignty of Good [1970], I)

Book Reference

Murdoch,Iris: 'The Sovereignty of Good' [RKP 1974], p.1


A Reaction

Nice. Without the theories there is no philosophy, but without continual reference back to the obvious facts the theories are worthless.