Philosophy

In your opinion which philosophical idea has had the greatest impact on Western thought? Do you think there are more deserving ideas that have received less attention? Jon T. Sussex

Comments

Hi Jon,

This is a really difficult question! First I offer my short list, then I'll tell you which is the most important (to me, at any rate).

-The concept of the soul is certainly important in Western philosophy. Maybe related - or repackaged in different terms - would be the concept of the individual.

-Certain principles of logic (such as the law of non-contradiction) have had a great influence on Western philosophy. It is interesting that non-contradiction - which has been taken to be a hallmark of rationality - is seen in a completely different light in Eastern philosophy.

-The golden rule (i.e., do not do to others what you yourself would hate, also phrased as do to others as you would like to be done, love your neighbor, etc.) is found in some form in all ethical and religious systems that I know of - East, West, African, Native American.

I am sure there are other ideas that could also go on this short list of candidates. For my money: I think the golden rule has received much attention and should continue to. The golden rule is an ethical start, and ethics are what make everything else possible.

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