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Single Idea 21623

[filed under theme 3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 7. Falsehood ]

Full Idea

The concepts of truth and falsity are not symmetrical. The asymmetry is visible in the fundamental principles governing them, for F is essentially more complex than T, by its use of negation.

Gist of Idea

True and false are not symmetrical; false is more complex, involving negation

Source

Timothy Williamson (Vagueness [1994], 7.5)

Book Ref

Williamson,Timothy: 'Vagueness' [Routledge 1996], p.208


A Reaction

If T and F are primitives, controlled by axioms, then they might be symmetrical in nature, but asymmetrical in use. However, if forced to choose just one primitive, I presume it would be T.


The 7 ideas with the same theme [how to understand failures to be true]:

In the deeper sense of truth, to be untrue resembles being bad; badness is untrue to a thing's nature [Hegel]
Convictions, more than lies, are the great enemy of truth [Nietzsche]
Only because there is thought is there untruth [Nietzsche]
To love truth, you must know how to lie [Nietzsche]
Asserting not-p is saying p is false [Russell]
A good theory of truth must make falsehood possible [Russell]
True and false are not symmetrical; false is more complex, involving negation [Williamson]