The Dull Weaving of Spirit: Reflections on the Nature of Analytic Philosophy

Abstract

This paper offers a critical analysis of the nature of analytic philosophy. The paper opens with a review of some attempts to define the tradition. The discussion then examines the limitations inherent in existing definitions and explores the methodological challenges associated with defining philosophical traditions — analytic philosophy in particular. After that, the paper considers genetic, institutional, and sociological dimensions of the issue before proposing a new approach to definition. This approach identifies analytic philosophy through a set of typical characteristics, grounded in stylistic criteria, methodological norms, and shared canonical practices