From: Lee Corbin (lcorbin@tsoft.com)
Date: Sat Jun 15 2002 - 22:26:23 MDT
Harvey writes
> > One is that we cannot be certain of the premises involved
> > in any of the logical formulations (e.g. Modus Tollens, or
> > use of the Contra-Positive). Another is, if the number and
> > intricacy of the deductions is very great, we cannot be
> > certain that we haven't just blown it. Third, a step that
> > seems completely straight-forward and legitimate may
> > actually contain a subtle error.
>
> OK. So what do you propose we do instead? Abandon logic?
> Stop trying to figure out the truth?
Of course not. You're over-reacting a tad. We must (a) continue
to idealize the "truth", and (b) never stop searching for it. But
at the same time, as they say in PCR, "all knowledge is conjectural".
One of the things that that means is that we must always keep an
open mind, and be ready to appreciate criticism.
> We're only human. We do the best we can. Sure, we might make
> mistakes. But we keep trying.
Right.
> What is the point of insisting that we can never be 100% sure of
> anything? Let's concede that point for the sake of argument. Now what?
Well, sorry, I really don't have a diabolical sequel.
I began this thread---and now perhaps it's time to end it---
with the remarks:
>> A friend recently pointed out to me that it's not such
>> a simple matter as one might think deciding when to
>> change your mind about an issue, especially if you've
>> thought a certain way about something for a long time.
>> It is always wise, she said, to recall the algebra "proof"
>> that 1 = 2. If you've any long acquaintance with algebra,
>> then of course you can spot the flaw in ...if the conclusion
>> of an argument goes against long deeply held beliefs that
>> you have, then it's wise to reserve judgment for [a while]
But Hal summed up this discussion best IMO:
> Most arguments cannot be reduced to simple mathematical form.
> Often there are ambiguities relating to the use of words and
> language. It is easy to be confused or misled. In that case
> it is best to give the argument some time, talk it over with other
> people...
> On the other hand, I think it is dangerous to rely too heavily on
> one's own long-held beliefs. Most people have an inherent built-in
> conservatism which will make them reluctant to change. If you are
> faced with an argument and it actually does seem very persuasive, but
> goes against your long term beliefs, chances are the argument is even
> better than it seems to you at the moment.
Lee
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.1.5 : Sat Nov 02 2002 - 09:14:49 MST