Single Idea 3089

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 8. A Priori as Analytic]

Full Idea

That 'cats are animals' is often cited as an analytic truth. But (as Putnam points out) the inability to imagine this false is just a lack of imagination. They might turn out to be radio-controlled plastic spies from Mars.

Gist of Idea

Only lack of imagination makes us think that 'cats are animals' is analytic

Source

Gilbert Harman (Thought [1973], 6.7)

Book Reference

Harman,Gilbert: 'Thought' [Princeton 1977], p.105

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