The Philosopher's Principles

You must pay closest attention to the philosopher's principles. They may be either things he asks you to assume with him, or matters that he calls self evident. There is no trouble about assumptions. Make them to see what follows. Even if you yourself have contrary presuppositions. It is a good mental exercise to pretend that you believe something you really do not believe. The clearer you are your own pre judgments, the more likely you will be able to not misjudge those made by others. Few philosophical books fail to state some propositions that the author regards as self evident. Such propositions are drawn directly from experience, rather than proved by other propositions.