Other than Hume, I would vote for Quine, for espousing naturalism, for demolishing the distinction between analytic and synthetic statements, and for placing constraints on metaphysical discourses—constraints which, unfortunately, many philosophers today have ignored to their own peril.
In your opinion, what’s the clearest, shortest section by Quine that would have the greatest likelihood possible to catch my attention in terms of what it demonstrates about his ability to think clearly and make important insights?
I’ve heard his name so many times, but I’ve never attempted to read anything by him because I once ran into someone really into Quine who seemed to demonstrate all sorts of cognitive habits diametrically opposed to all the reasons I consider Hume such a great thinker.
I’m asking this question because you mentioned Hume first, but then also Quine. Considering I find Hume to be so insightful, do you have any suggestions on what would convince me that Quine is a great thinker as well?
The quickest and easiest read among Quine’s works is perhaps ‘The Web of Belief’—it is very engagingly written and serves as a solid introduction to rational thinking and scientific methodologies. :-)
Quine is extremely readable. He’s certainly one of the most important philosophers to understand in order to understand other contemporary philosophers, though I’d say a fair amount of his influence has been negative. On What There Is is charming, and gives a good overview of his approach to metaphysics.
Other than Hume, I would vote for Quine, for espousing naturalism, for demolishing the distinction between analytic and synthetic statements, and for placing constraints on metaphysical discourses—constraints which, unfortunately, many philosophers today have ignored to their own peril.
In your opinion, what’s the clearest, shortest section by Quine that would have the greatest likelihood possible to catch my attention in terms of what it demonstrates about his ability to think clearly and make important insights?
I’ve heard his name so many times, but I’ve never attempted to read anything by him because I once ran into someone really into Quine who seemed to demonstrate all sorts of cognitive habits diametrically opposed to all the reasons I consider Hume such a great thinker.
I’m asking this question because you mentioned Hume first, but then also Quine. Considering I find Hume to be so insightful, do you have any suggestions on what would convince me that Quine is a great thinker as well?
The quickest and easiest read among Quine’s works is perhaps ‘The Web of Belief’—it is very engagingly written and serves as a solid introduction to rational thinking and scientific methodologies. :-)
I’ll check it out. Thanks!
Quine is extremely readable. He’s certainly one of the most important philosophers to understand in order to understand other contemporary philosophers, though I’d say a fair amount of his influence has been negative. On What There Is is charming, and gives a good overview of his approach to metaphysics.