Single Idea 3993

[catalogued under 2. Reason / E. Argument / 1. Argument]

Full Idea

Philosophical arguments are never incontrovertible - well, hardly ever. Their purpose is to help expound a position, not to coerce agreement.

Clarification

'Incontrovertible' means 'impossible to challenge'.

Gist of Idea

Arguments are nearly always open to challenge, but they help to explain a position rather than force people to believe

Source

David Lewis (Lewis: reduction of mind (on himself) [1994], p.419)

Book Reference

'A Companion to the Philosophy of Mind', ed/tr. Guttenplan,Samuel [Blackwell 1995], p.419


A Reaction

A bit over-cautious, perhaps. Most philosophers are converted to a position when they hear a single key argument, though it is probably 'tipping the balance' of previous discussions.