It’s relatively easy to be a master ninja of philosophy relative to anyone in 1710, because you’ve had a chance to crib from the work of all the smartest people who’ve lived since then.
I can see this being true, but I’m not entirely convinced.
I have no background in philosophy. I don’t read philosophy other than occasionally dipping into LW.
Of course, there exists the possibility that occasional dipping into LW has been enough, or that the necessary mental rigor has just seeped into the general populace over the intervening few hundred years.
Also, I’m not sure “anyone in 1710” is the right comparison. More like “people thinking about philosophy in 1710″.
Of course, that is likely what you meant, but I think the less precise wording you used makes your argument a lot more convincing so I think it’s important to point out the distinction.
To be clear, I’m not arguing that actually I am a ninja of philsophy. I’m just saying that your point doesn’t necessarily make me less confused.
It’s relatively easy to be a master ninja of philosophy relative to anyone in 1710, because you’ve had a chance to crib from the work of all the smartest people who’ve lived since then.
I can see this being true, but I’m not entirely convinced.
I have no background in philosophy. I don’t read philosophy other than occasionally dipping into LW.
Of course, there exists the possibility that occasional dipping into LW has been enough, or that the necessary mental rigor has just seeped into the general populace over the intervening few hundred years.
Also, I’m not sure “anyone in 1710” is the right comparison. More like “people thinking about philosophy in 1710″.
Of course, that is likely what you meant, but I think the less precise wording you used makes your argument a lot more convincing so I think it’s important to point out the distinction.
To be clear, I’m not arguing that actually I am a ninja of philsophy. I’m just saying that your point doesn’t necessarily make me less confused.
It’s also that a lot of philosophy, including famous works, is just really bad.
See also: “What is Wrong with Our Thoughts”.