A Philosopher among the Anthropologists

Abstract

Philosophy is unique among intellectual pursuits in that its methods, its scope, even its right to exist, are constantly subject to review, and not least among philosophers. Pure philosophy, if indeed there is such a thing, is broadly a matter of critical discussion about questions seen by philosophers as susceptible to this treatment. It calls for precision in making distinctions and in refining arguments. It is an approach which many, not committed to it as are philosophers, find unsympathetic.