Which would be a greater philosopher, a philosopher who parrot others ideas, a philosopher who takes others ideas and expands on them or a philosopher who generates new ideas.
A philosopher who parrots others ideas would be able to select which philosophy rings true for them and pass this on to others, therefore keeping the ideas alive within the community.
A philosopher who takes others ideas and expands on them can select the that rings true for them and take it to the next step before passing them on, therefore allowing ideas and concepts to evolve with each generation.
A philosopher who generates new ideas would provide new fodder for the first two to use, and therefore provides more to the 'mixing bowl' of ideas.
Which of these philosophers is greater in works and function. The definition of greater can be up to you but please explain why you selected them.
Serious answers only.
Thanks.
2007-05-23 13:22:31 · 4 answers · asked by Arthur N 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
What a philosopher chooses to be silent about determines the amount of influence exerted. Also, a philosopher may not necessarily objectify "ideas" as you do, exemplifying the common "progressive school" prejudice. Serious questions only, please.
2007-05-23 14:04:40 · answer #1 · answered by Baron VonHiggins 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
A philosopher that creates new ideas is greater. Anyone can take existing ideas and link them together in slightly different ways, but it takes true genius to come up with the ideas in the first place. Without the originals ideas, there aren't the other types of philosophers anyway. Where'd this original idea come from anyway? Did it already exist and man simply found thought and discovered this idea? Wow, I just totally confused myself.
2007-05-23 20:31:02 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure I would consider the 1st to be a philosopher as opposed to a teacher.
As for the other 2, I can't decide based simply on that, it would depend on the depth/validity of their ideas.
2007-05-23 20:27:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I think I'M the greater philosopher.
2007-05-23 21:42:55 · answer #4 · answered by The Phat Whale 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋