Suppose that we decide to engage in philosophy. Philosophy can here be understood as “the search, through natural reason, for certain knowledge of all things according to their first principles”.
If, for whatever reason, we decide to do that, there are some steps we should take to make sure we stick to that project, and don’t end up doing something else instead.
1. Use reason. In order to search for knowledge of all things through natural reason, you must avoid the doctrines and vices which prevent its application to some objects.
2. Do not stop using reason. In order for your knowledge to truly be attained through natural reason, you must avoid admitting any unexamined appearance from the senses, passions, or imagination. This is achieved by trying to put your thoughts into clear speech.
You must also avoid admitting anything on trust from any authority.
Both authorities and appearances may be used to illustrate what was already demonstrated, of course. Rhetoric is useful in teaching philosophy, but cannot substitute for philosophy.
3. Reason from principles to conclusions. If you are to know things through their principles, you must avoid knowing the principles through the things. Abduction is forbidden in philosophy, and is rather the method of poetry.
If you stick to these rules, you will do philosophy. Insofar as you depart from them, you won’t.
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