According to the article by Charles S. Peirce, a clear idea can be defined as a concept that is so enclosed to the point where one can easily identify it when they come across it. If the concept does not meet this clarity, then it can be termed as obscure. However, when one loses the hesitancy in recognizing the idea under normal circumstances, then it does not deserve to be regarded as a clear idea anymore. This is because, when people master the art of recognizing that which can be regarded as a clear idea, they tend to attach subjective feelings towards it. Thus, they define clarity based on their familiarity with the given concept. On the other hand, a distinct idea is that which has nothing that is clear. Thus, an idea can only be understood distinctly if it has a precise definition in the form of abstract terms. This is a notion that only made sense to philosophers of the past. The modern people should come up with new method of attaining a perfect clarity of thought as expressed by the thinkers of this modern age. This can be achieved by sustaining the test of dialectical examination. This may not look clear at the onset but it may work well by not bringing to light the obscure points connected to them (Peirce).
The concept of clarity also originates from the fact that the mind can only transform knowledge that originated from some other place. Thus, people can only express their thoughts clearly if they are fed with the facts of the observation. People will always have clear misgivings of ideas which are very hazy. The clarity can only be brought out by adopting the distinction of distinct and clear notions. People cannot learn much by analyzing definitions. Rather, they should strive to express their beliefs in a manner that captures the element of intellectual economy. Organizing ideas in a logical manner is a great step towards the clarity of apprehension which does omit all the mention of any higher articulacy that has been in existence for decades. This logic brings out the clarity and distinctness of the expressed ideas. It also helps other people to act on it and give more meaning to it as it moves down the chain through history. Thus, the idea lives on. Never failing to recognize an idea and not mistaking another for it a great step towards clarity of expression of thoughts which is very rare in the world right now. The fact that one may be familiar with a given concept does not necessarily mean that they can express their thoughts clearly. Rather, the familiarity should be supplemented by distinctness (Peirce).
The most important lesson that we learn in demanding logic as we express our ideas is that this is the main thing that makes our ideas clear in the first place. Ironically, this is mostly depreciated by the minds that are in most need of it. Weighty and great thoughts are solidly founded when people learn to understand their thoughts and to be masters of their own meaning. A few great ideas are worth more than a couple of several confused ones. Sacrificing a greater part of one’s thought is essential in cultivating an intellectual maturity with respect to clearness in a matter of time. A single unclear formula or idea may sometimes turn out to be the greatest hindrance to the thoughts that one can express in life. However, people can learn to capitalize on this single thought and nurture it by finding meaning to the point where they can confidently express them in a clear way. Choosing to condemn it and not act on it, may in the long run prevent people from getting to know about a great concept that probably was in their thoughts too. One day, the person may wake up and find that the concept is gone and the contribution that it would have otherwise made becomes invalid (Peirce).
Works Cited
Peirce, Charles S. "How To Make Our Ideas Clear". Peirce.org. N.P., 2016. Web. 17 May 2016.
