Single Idea 6982

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 1. Nature of the A Priori]

Full Idea

We know that being fallible and being a priori can co-exist - the results of long numerical additions are well-known examples.

Gist of Idea

Long arithmetic calculations show the a priori can be fallible

Source

Frank Jackson (From Metaphysics to Ethics [1998], Ch.2)

Book Reference

Jackson,Frank: 'From Metaphysics to Ethics' [OUP 2000], p.47


A Reaction

I see this realisation as a good example of progress in philosophy. Russell, who says self-evidence comes in degrees, deserves major credit. It is the key idea that once again makes rationalism respectable.