Argument Quote by Bertrand Russell
“There is little of the true philosophic spirit in Aquinas. He does not, like the Platonic Socrates, set out to follow wherever the argument may lead.”
About This Quote
Source Book: A History of Western Philosophy, 1945
Aquinas follows a fixed doctrinal path rather than freely pursuing arguments wherever they lead, unlike Socratic inquiry.
In simple terms: Aquinas sticks to doctrine, not open debate.
Key Takeaway
Encourage critical, open-ended questioning.
Themes
philosophy
critique
methodology
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- philosophy courses
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Socratic method
dogmatism
intellectual freedom
Questions to Reflect On
- What benefits arise from questioning established doctrines?
- How can we balance respect for tradition with open inquiry?
A Different Perspective
Rigid adherence may limit new insights.
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
