"Cuando encuentres una contradicción, traza una distinción". Distinciones conceptuales en el razonamiento filosófico

Abstract

Conceptual distinctions are a characteristic element of philosophical reasoning. However, to date there has not been, in published works, any attempt at elucidating the function of this intellectual practice or at evaluating its cognitive contribution within philosophy. The present article defends the thesis which states that philosophical distinctions are fundamentally an instrument in the resolution of contradictions. Following a discussion about the principle of non-contradiction and its application in real contexts of argumentation, it is demonstrated that the distinctions serve three purposes in the hands of the philosopher: restore coherence in a system of ideas, resolve philosophical disputes, and answer criticism directed at a thesis in the context of a debate.

Keywords: Contradictions, distinctions, philosophical reasoning, principle of noncontradiction.