Philosophical Writings: Quantity vs. Quality

Introduction to the Complexity of Philosophical Works

Authors vary greatly in the length and format of their works, ranging from short and concise to comprehensive and extensive. This diversity in book lengths is not exclusive to philosophers, who, like all writers, tackle a wide range of topics, from athletics to zoology. However, a significant portion of my favorite philosophical works are strikingly concise, making them both accessible and profound.

The Case for Short Treatises in Philosophy

It is not uncommon for philosophical texts to be presented in the form of short treatises. Think of Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius’s Consolations of Philosophy, Edna Hahn Hoffer’s The True Believer, Niccolò Machiavelli’s Discourses on Livy, Friedrich Engels’s The Communist Manifesto, or the Declaration of Independence. Each of these works distills the essence of a philosophical idea into a compact form, making them both memorable and impactful. Often, philosophers who tackle a single, compelling idea can convey that idea more effectively in a shorter treatise than in a longer, more verbose work.

The Deliberate Choice of Shortness

Many philosophers choose to express their ideas in short treatises because these concise works can be easily read and retained by their audience. For instance, the Roman philosopher Titus Lucretius Carus’s De Rerum Natura (On the Nature of Things) presents his materialist philosophy in a way that is both engaging and accessible, even to those who might find a dense, academic treatise overwhelming. Similarly, Frédéric Bastiat’s Economic Harmonies and essays offer a clear and persuasive argument for free-market principles, rendering complex economic concepts understandable and applicable to a broader audience.

The Potential of Repeated Ideas

A unique characteristic of philosophical texts is their tendency to explore a specific idea or principle in depth. This often leads to a repetitive structure, where the same argument or principle is revisited from different angles. Consider Aristotle’s Poetics, which delves into the nature of drama and storytelling, or the Analects of Confucius, a collection of sayings and teachings that emphasize personal and governmental conduct. In these works, the philosopher’s ideas are explored multiple times, reinforcing the importance of their core message.

Conclusion: Competence and Clarity in Short Philosophical Works

It is often the case that short philosophical works are produced by more competent philosophers. These works may not be grand in their scope, but they are precise and effective in communicating the philosopher’s core ideas. This efficiency is not a mark of weakness but a testament to the philosopher’s ability to distill complex thoughts into clear, concise language. Ultimately, the length of a philosophical work should not be a measure of its quality; rather, it should be judged on the clarity, depth, and impact of its message.

Keywords: philosophers, philosophical works, book length