Single Idea 5163

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / B. Internal Justification / 4. Foundationalism / c. Empirical foundations]

Full Idea

There is a class of empirical propositions, which I call 'basic propositions', which can be verified conclusively, since they refer solely to the contents of a single experience, which are incorrigible.

Clarification

'Incorrigible' means cannot be mistaken

Gist of Idea

Basic propositions refer to a single experience, are incorrigible, and conclusively verifiable

Source

A.J. Ayer (Introduction to 'Language Truth and Logic' [1946], p.13)

Book Reference

Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.13


A Reaction

A classic statement of empirical foundationalism. I sort of agree that 'single experiences' are a 'given' for philosophy, but is questionable whether there is anything which could both be a single experience AND give rise to a proposition.