Philosophy as the In-Between

• Published in: Inquiry (Oslo) Vol. 54; no. 4; pp. 398 - 409
• Main Author: Vanhoutte, Kristof K.P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oslo Taylor & Francis 01.08.2011; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Differences; Etymology; History; History of ideas; History of philosophy; Philosophers; Philosophical thought; Philosophy
• ISSN: 0020-174X; 1502-3923
• DOI: 10.1080/0020174X.2011.592344

What is the difference between doing philosophy and doing the history of philosophy? Where should the line be drawn between "using" previous philosophers to make one's point and discussing what past philosophers claimed? In trying to confront these questions, this essay starts with a reflection on the difference between doing philosophy and doing the history of philosophy as proposed by the French philosopher Gilles Deleuze, and confronts it with a different one derived from the German philosopher Martin Heidegger. The ideas developed by Heidegger will then lead to a definition of "philosophy" and to some etymology-based reflections on what a "philosopher" is that Plato proposes in his "Symposium". The essay continues by arguing that, when doing philosophy, it is necessary to return to philosophy's past in order to recoup philosophical momentum. The essay concludes with some reflection on the possible similarities between Plato's characterization of Eros as the first philosopher and the difference between doing philosophy and doing the history of philosophy.