more on this theme     |     more from this thinker


Single Idea 12431

[filed under theme 5. Theory of Logic / A. Overview of Logic / 6. Classical Logic ]

Full Idea

I believe the laws of classical logic, in part because I was taught them, and in part because I think I see how those laws are used in assessing evidence. But my belief could easily be undermined by experience.

Gist of Idea

I believe classical logic because I was taught it and use it, but it could be undermined

Source

Philip Kitcher (A Priori Knowledge Revisited [2000], §VII)

Book Ref

'New Essays on the A Priori', ed/tr. Boghossian,P /Peacocke,C [OUP 2000], p.87


A Reaction

Quine has one genuine follower! The trouble is his first sentence would fit witch-doctoring just as well. Kitcher went to Cambridge; I hope he doesn't just believe things because he was taught them, or because he 'sees how they are used'!


The 4 ideas from 'A Priori Knowledge Revisited'

Many necessities are inexpressible, and unknowable a priori [Kitcher]
Knowing our own existence is a priori, but not necessary [Kitcher]
Classical logic is our preconditions for assessing empirical evidence [Kitcher]
I believe classical logic because I was taught it and use it, but it could be undermined [Kitcher]