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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.
19072 | In the deeper sense of truth, to be untrue resembles being bad; badness is untrue to a thing's nature [Hegel] |
24075 | Convictions, more than lies, are the great enemy of truth [Nietzsche] |
4548 | Only because there is thought is there untruth [Nietzsche] |
18305 | To love truth, you must know how to lie [Nietzsche] |
16477 | Asserting not-p is saying p is false [Russell] |
5417 | A good theory of truth must make falsehood possible [Russell] |
21623 | True and false are not symmetrical; false is more complex, involving negation [Williamson] |