The general interest in philosophy as well as its specialized treatment by historians of philosophy make us aware of two main traditions of philosophy, namely literature and teaching. Accordingly, the library of philosophical books and the university are places of philosophical tradition. Philosophy is 'traditional' in a very real sense, because it is traded on by writing and by teaching. At the same time, both activities also produce the image of a 'pure' philosophy which is supposed to have a tradition of its own. This 'legend' of philosophy, notwithstanding its constructed character, resumes experiences we cannot but call philosophical.