On philosophical style

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Originally given in 1953 as the Adamson Lecture at Manchester University, On Philosophical Style has become the classic presentation of the thesis that profundity and clarity are not opposed philosophical virtues but rather required companions. Blanshard begins with the question: Why is it that philosophers of great perception sometimes confess a failure to comprehend certain of their colleagues? He ends with the assertion "that the problem of style is not a problem of words and sentences merely, but of being the right kind of mine." In between, there is much offered, in fine style and short compass, for those who write and read philosophy. "In these few pages, Professor Blanshard has said the last word on style in philosophy. The reader is expertly conducted on a tour of inspection of all relevant areas, in and out of philosophy proper."--Virgil C. Aldrich, The Journal of Philosophy.