Single Idea 4731

[catalogued under 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 4. Aims of Reason]

Full Idea

The four basic principles of rationality are 1) avoid contradiction, 2) enhance coherence, 3) avoid ignoring evidence, and 4) maximise evidence.

Gist of Idea

Good reasoning will avoid contradiction, enhance coherence, not ignore evidence, and maximise evidence

Source

Paul O'Grady (Relativism [2002], Ch.5)

Book Reference

O'Grady,Paul: 'Relativism' [Acumen 2002], p.141


A Reaction

I like this, and can't think of any additions. 'Coherence' is the vaguest of the conditions. Maximising evidence is still the driving force of science, even if it does sound quaintly positivist.