The fundamental question of political philosophy, one that precedes questions about how the state should be organized, is whether there should be any state at all. Why not have anarchy?
Robert NozickRead
I think philosophers can do things akin to theoretical scientists, in that, having read about empirical data, they too can think of what hypotheses and theories might account for that data. So there's a continuity between philosophy and science in that way.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Philosophers, like scientists, can formulate theories based on empirical data.
In this quote, Robert Nozick expresses the idea that there is a significant overlap between philosophy and science. He argues that philosophers can engage in theoretical thinking that is similar to that of scientists, using empirical data as a basis for developing hypotheses and theories. This perspective highlights the continuity between the two disciplines, suggesting that philosophical inquiry can complement scientific investigation in understanding the world.
Themes
PhilosophyScienceTheoryEmpiricalData
In practice
Example use cases
During a lecture on the relationship between science and philosophy, this quote can be used to illustrate the interconnectedness of both fields.
More from Robert Nozick
All quotes →Given the complexity of interpersonal relationships and institutions and the complexity of co-ordination of the actions of many people, it is enormously unlikely that, even if there were one ideal pattern for society, it could be arrived at in an a priori fashion. And even supposing that some great genius did come along with a blueprint, who could have the confidence that it could work
Robert NozickRead
There are only individual people, different individual people, with their own individual lives. Using one of these people for the benefit of others uses him and benefits the others. Nothing more. What happens is that something is done to him for the sake of others. Talk of an overall social good covers this up.
Robert NozickRead
And although it might be best of all to be Socrates satisfied, having both happiness and depth, we would give up some happiness in order to gain the depth.
Robert NozickRead
The history of philosophy is actually full of people who argue for rather wild and incredible views, and their reputations are based on the skill of arguing for them.
Robert NozickRead
What else can matter to us, other than how our lives feel from the inside?
Robert NozickRead
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