Single Idea 3518

[catalogued under 16. Persons / C. Self-Awareness / 3. Limits of Introspection]

Full Idea

I may be the final authority on whether my shoe pinches, but I am manifestly not the final authority on whether I understand some mathematical theorem.

Gist of Idea

I'm not the final authority on my understanding of maths

Source

Keith T. Maslin (Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind [2001], 1.7)

Book Reference

Maslin,Keith: 'An Introduction to the Philosophy of Mind' [Polity 2001], p.23


A Reaction

However, it doesn't follow that his teachers are the final authority either, because he may get correct answers by an algorithm, and bluff his way when demonstrating his understanding. Who knows whether anyone really understands anything?