One theme, two themes, or three themes were elaborated, varied and underwent a development quite similar to that of the theme in a Bach fugue or a concerto movement. A Game, for example, might start from a given astronomical configuration, or from the actual theme of a Bach fugue, or from a sentence out of Liebniz or the Upanishads, and from this theme, depending on the intentions and talents of the player, it could either further explore and elaborate the initial motif or else enrich its expansiveness by allusions to kindred concepts. This passage speaks more to me of the goals of philosophy than any formal definition. I said at the beginning that if I had to give a definition of philosophy, I would use Plato's from the Seventh Letter . I return to that point now after quoting Hesse and talking about values and goals, because that is the natural tendency of what I have written.
Philosophy is about understanding, but about self-conscious understanding.
That is what I am prepared to call philosophy. I do not think I could do better in a succinct statement than to say as Plato did, that it is the flash of light when the fire of understanding is kindled. But, oh, what a long and difficult path to get to where that light flashes - and that path, too, is philosophy. Paul Rezendes is a practicing lawyer and amateur philosopher who received his BA in philosophy in 1978. To discuss this article, go here .