What is Philosophy?
Brian Leiter has invited his readers to answer this question in 75 words or less. The original challenge was to do it in 50 words or less, but I guess Leiter thought that wasn't fair. In any case, I've just submitted the following 49-word answer to his blog:
Philosophy is thinking about thinking. It explores the varieties and limits of thought and thinking things. It is therefore concerned with understanding the nature of knowledge, belief, intuition, propositions, judgments, facts, inferences, arguments, reasons, and justifications. To this end, it develops views of meaning, truth, validity, morality, possibility, and plausibility.
Edited on June 7, 2010, to add a 50th word: "meaning."
Philosophy is thinking about thinking. It explores the varieties and limits of thought and thinking things. It is therefore concerned with understanding the nature of knowledge, belief, intuition, propositions, judgments, facts, inferences, arguments, reasons, and justifications. To this end, it develops views of meaning, truth, validity, morality, possibility, and plausibility.
Edited on June 7, 2010, to add a 50th word: "meaning."
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