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Single Idea 5862
[filed under theme 14. Science / A. Basis of Science / 6. Falsification
]
Full Idea
If we have a single counter-instance, the argument is refuted as not necessary, even if more cases are otherwise or more often otherwise.
Gist of Idea
A single counterexample is enough to prove that a truth is not necessary
Source
Aristotle (The Art of Rhetoric [c.350 BCE], 1403a07)
Book Ref
Aristotle: 'The Art of Rhetoric', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,H.C. [Penguin 1991], p.213
A Reaction
This is Aristotle (pioneering hero) pointing out what we now tend to think of as Karl Popper's falsification, the certain way to demonstrate the falseness of a supposed law of nature, by finding one anomaly from it.
The
17 ideas
from 'The Art of Rhetoric'
5847
|
It is the role of dialectic to survey syllogisms
[Aristotle]
|
5848
|
All good things can be misused, except virtue
[Aristotle]
|
5849
|
Rhetoric is a political offshoot of dialectic and ethics
[Aristotle]
|
5850
|
Happiness is composed of a catalogue of internal and external benefits
[Aristotle]
|
5851
|
Pentathletes look the most beautiful, because they combine speed and strength
[Aristotle]
|
5852
|
The four constitutions are democracy (freedom), oligarchy (wealth), aristocracy (custom), tyranny (security)
[Aristotle]
|
5853
|
The best virtues are the most useful to others
[Aristotle]
|
1660
|
It is noble to avenge oneself on one's enemies, and not come to terms with them
[Aristotle]
|
23250
|
Desired responsible actions result either from rational or from irrational desire
[Aristotle]
|
5854
|
Nobody fears a disease which nobody has yet caught
[Aristotle]
|
5855
|
We all feel universal right and wrong, independent of any community or contracts
[Aristotle]
|
5856
|
Self-interest is a relative good, but nobility an absolute good
[Aristotle]
|
5857
|
The young feel pity from philanthropy, but the old from self-concern
[Aristotle]
|
5858
|
Men are physically prime at thirty-five, and mentally prime at forty-nine
[Aristotle]
|
5859
|
Rich people are mindlessly happy
[Aristotle]
|
5861
|
People assume events cause what follows them
[Aristotle]
|
5862
|
A single counterexample is enough to prove that a truth is not necessary
[Aristotle]
|