Single Idea 11958

[catalogued under 10. Modality / D. Knowledge of Modality / 4. Conceivable as Possible / b. Conceivable but impossible]

Full Idea

Reid pointed out how easily conceivable mathematical and geometric impossibilities are.

Gist of Idea

Impossibilites are easily conceived in mathematics and geometry

Source

report of Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 4: Conception [1785], IV.III) by George Molnar - Powers 11.3

Book Reference

Molnar,George: 'Powers: a study in metaphysics', ed/tr. Mumford,Stephen [OUP 2003], p.182


A Reaction

The defence would be that you have to really really conceive them, and the only way the impossible can be conceived is by blurring it at the crucial point, or by claiming to conceive more than you actually can