...a few philosophers really do important work. This applies to the so called 'critical philosophy' and to the theory of knowledge or epistemology. This class of workers I call epistemologists to avoid the disagreeable implications of the term 'philosopher'.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author argues that a few philosophers do important work, especially in critical philosophy and epistemology, and prefers calling them epistemologists to avoid the negative connotations of 'philosopher'.
- In plain terms
- Some philosophers, especially epistemologists, do valuable work.
- What can you take from it?
- Specialized terms can reshape perception of a field.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why does 'philosopher' carry disagreeable implications?
- Can new labels improve respect?
Another view
Renaming may not change underlying biases.
More from Alfred Korzybski
It is now no mystery that some quite influential 'philosophers' were 'mentally' ill.
Permalink to quote #17 In the rough, a symbol is a sign that stands for something... Before a noise, etc., may become a symbol, something must exist for the symbol to symbolize.
Permalink to quote #19 Let us repeat the two crucial negative premises as established firmly by all human experience: (1) Words are not the things we are speaking about; and (2) Ther…
Permalink to quote #16
Related quotes
Truth lies within a little and certain compass, but error is immense.
Henry, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke St JohnHenry, 1st Viscount Bolingbroke St John quote #1 We cannot observe external things without some degree of Thought; nor can we reflect upon our Thoughts, without being influenced in the course of our reflectio…
William WhewellWilliam Whewell quote #2 Conclui, como se conclui sempre em Filosofia, que me encontrava diante duma Causa Primaria, portanto impenetravel.
Jose Maria Eca de QueirozJose Maria Eca de Queiroz quote #3