Single Idea 3403

[catalogued under 19. Language / F. Communication / 6. Interpreting Language / c. Principle of charity]

Full Idea

We attribute to a subject beliefs that are obvious logical consequences of beliefs already attributed to him.

Gist of Idea

We assume people believe the obvious logical consequences of their known beliefs

Source

Jaegwon Kim (Philosophy of Mind [1996], p.135)

Book Reference

Kim,Jaegwon: 'Philosophy of Mind' [Westview 1998], p.135


A Reaction

Depends what you mean by 'obvious'. Presumably they must be judged obvious to the believer, but only if they have thought of them. We can't believe all the simple but quirky implications of our beliefs.