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Common Logic is the Grammar of the higher Speech, that is, of Thought; it examines merely the relations of ideas to one another, the Mechanics of Thought, the pure Physiology of ideas. Now logical ideas stand related to one another, like words without thoughts. Logic occupies itself with the mere dead Body of the Science of Thinking. - Metaphysics, again, is the Dynamics of Thought; treats of the primary Powers of Thought; occupies itself with the mere Soul of the Science of Thinking. Metaphysical ideas stand related to one another, like thoughts without words. Men often wondered at the stubborn Incompletibility of these two Sciences; each followed its own business by itself; there was a want everywhere, nothing would suit rightly with either. From the very first, attempts were made to unite them, as everything about them indicated relationship; but every attempt failed; the one or the other Science still suffered in these attempts, and lost its essential character. We had to abide by metaphysical Logic, and logical Metaphysic, but neither of them was as it should be.

Novalis#41

PhilosophyKnowledgeCritical thinkingLogicMetaphysicsStudyThinkingUnity

About this quote

What does it mean?
Logic deals with structure while metaphysics deals with power. Both are incomplete alone and need to be united for full understanding.
In plain terms
Logic and metaphysics are incomplete alone and need to be united.
What can you take from it?
Combine logical structure with metaphysical insight for better understanding.

Where it applies

  • studying philosophy
  • critical thinking
  • academic debate

Putting it to work

  • study both logic and metaphysics
  • seek unity in knowledge
  • avoid one-sided thinking

Questions to consider

  • How can logic and metaphysics work together?
  • What is incomplete in your thinking?

Another view

These fields remain distinct for good reasons; forced unity may reduce clarity.

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  2. The rude, discursive Thinker is the Scholastic (Schoolman Logician). The true Scholastic is a mystical Subtlist; out of logical Atoms he builds his Universe; h…

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  3. Nature too remains, so far as we have yet come, ever a frightful Machine of Death: everywhere monstrous revolution, inexplicable vortices of movement; a kingdo…

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