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Perhaps the greatest document addressing this question is Plato's "Sophist." Therein, Plato demonstrates that the ability to reason well amounts to knowing whic
by JacksonGariety 6y ago
Perhaps the greatest document addressing this question is Plato's "Sophist." Therein, Plato demonstrates that the ability to reason well amounts to knowing which of the most general classes of things go together. He compares this ability to musical ability, or knowing which notes harmonize with each other. The imposter can only repeat specific combinations, lacking as he does knowledge of the underlying structure.
> Then he who is able to do this has a clear perception of one form or idea extending entirely through many individuals each of which lies apart, and of many forms differing from one another but included in one greater form, and again of one form evolved by the union of many wholes, and of many forms entirely apart and separate. This is the knowledge and ability to distinguish by classes how individual things can or cannot be associated with one another. [Sophist, 253d]
- MichalSternik 6y agoThis. Perhaps i'm biased, since i'm supposed to graduate from philosophy department this year, but i do think that reading ancient philosophy (Plato & Aristotle are the most representative example of what was going on there) is the best way to think better -- and get in touch with origins of European culture. My recommendations, apart from "Sophist" (which is a difficult, very technical dialogue regarding problems with platos theory of ideas) would be "Nicomachean Ethics" (Joe Sachs' translation), "Philebus", "Phaedrus", and of course "The Republic", Platos' magnum opus.
- GGfpc 6y agoWhich is the easiest to start with?
- MistahKoala 6y ago> "Sophist" (which is a difficult, very technical dialogue regarding problems with platos theory of ideas) For the general lay reader, is there a more accessible equivalent you can recommend?
- MichalSternik 6y agoI would start with Philebus. It is considered a pretty late dialogue, so problems with theory of ideals are considered (and musical metaphors play a prominent role). Also, its topic is worthy; Socrates & Protarchus discuss a role that pleasure and reason play in furhishing a good life.
- MistahKoala 6y agoThanks for the recommendation - I'll have a look for it.
- friendlybus 6y agoThere is another kind of thought that is equally important, though separating out categories of reason, creating new forms and structures from shape is my favourite. The thought that goes into balancing quantities and ideas, bringing them together into something greater than the sum of their parts and highlighting an inherent property in that mess, is something different and just as valuable as creating a new form.