Bocheński and balance: System and history in analytic philosophy

Abstract

Using the work of Józef Bocheński as a positive example, this paper sets out the case for a balanced use of historical knowledge in doing analytic philosophy. Between the two extremes of relativizing historicism, which denies absolute truth, and arrogant scientism, which denies any constructive role for the history of ideas in philosophy, lies a via media in which historical reflection on concepts and their history is placed at the service of the system of cognitive philosophy. Knowledge of the history of philosophy, while not a sine qua non, can empower analytic philosophy to push forward to new and more satisfactory solutions to old and new problems. Examples are adduced from Bocheński's oeuvre and from the author's own experience.