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Discourse can be generally understood as the language employed to express a certain topic or debate. Human thoughts that remain within the mind are known as mental discourse, and that which is spoken is known as verbal discourse. According to Hobbes, discourse can never end in “absolute knowledge of fact,” because no one can ever know by discourse alone if something is true all of the time. All philosophy, including science, is the conditional knowledge drawn from discourse; therefore, sound reasoning is necessary in discourse, and all discourse must begin with established and accepted terms and definitions.
Discourse Quotes in Leviathan
The Leviathan quotes below are all either spoken by Discourse or refer to Discourse. For each quote, you can also see the other terms and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
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Chapter 7
Quotes
But by Beleeving in, as it is in the Creed, is meant, not trust in the Person; but Confession and acknowledgement of the Doctrine. For not onely Christians, but all manner of men do so believe in God, as to hold all for truth they heare him say, whether they understand it, or not; which is all the Faith and trust can possibly be had in any person whatsoever: But they do not all believe the Doctrine of the Creed.
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Discourse Term Timeline in Leviathan
The timeline below shows where the term Discourse appears in Leviathan. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 7: Of the Ends, or Resolutions of Discourse
Discourse ends when one has either obtained (or not obtained) an object of appetite (or aversion)...
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Verbal discourse begins with defined words, builds on connections between definitions, and ends with a conclusion. Science...
(full context)
A REVIEW, and CONCLUSION
Sound reasoning is necessary in all discourse and discussion. Without reason, one’s conclusions are hasty and unfair. “Powerful Eloquence” is also necessary,...
(full context)
