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Single Idea 6414

[filed under theme 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 2. Self-Evidence ]

Full Idea

Two propositions might contradict each other despite appearing self-evident when considered separately.

Gist of Idea

Two propositions might seem self-evident, but contradict one another

Source

A.C. Grayling (Russell [1996], Ch.2)

Book Ref

Grayling,A.C.: 'Russell' [OUP 1996], p.42

A Reaction

Russell's proposal (Idea 5416) is important here, that self-evidence comes in degrees. If self-evidence was all-or-nothing, Grayling's point would be a major problem, but it isn't. Bonjour explores the idea more fully (e.g. Idea 3704)

Related Ideas

Idea 3704 Moderate rationalists believe in fallible a priori justification [Bonjour]

Idea 5416 If self-evidence has degrees, we should accept the more self-evident as correct [Russell]

The 20 ideas from A.C. Grayling

7293 It is legitimate to do harm if it is the unintended side-effect of an effort to achieve a good [Grayling]
7292 War must also have a good chance of success, and be waged with moderation [Grayling]
6408 Russell needed three extra axioms to reduce maths to logic: infinity, choice and reducibility [Grayling]
6414 Two propositions might seem self-evident, but contradict one another [Grayling]
23253 Majority decisions are only acceptable if the minority interests are not vital [Grayling]
23256 Liberty and equality cannot be reconciled [Grayling]
23258 The very concept of democracy entails a need for justice [Grayling]
23259 There should be separate legislative, executive and judicial institutions [Grayling]
23260 A cap on time of service would restrict party control and career ambitions [Grayling]
23262 Experience, sympathy and history are sensible grounds for laying claim to rights [Grayling]
23263 Politics is driven by power cliques [Grayling]
23254 Democracies should require a supermajority for major questions [Grayling]
23255 It is essential for democracy that voting is free and well informed [Grayling]
7809 In an honour code shame is the supreme punishment, and revenge is a duty [Grayling]
7818 In Greek mythology only heroes can go to heaven [Grayling]
7819 Religion gives answers, comforts, creates social order, and panders to superstition [Grayling]
7817 To make an afterlife appealing, this life has to be denigrated [Grayling]
7823 Lucretius was rediscovered in 1417 [Grayling]
7824 If suicide is lawful, but assisting suicide is unlawful, powerless people are denied their rights [Grayling]
7091 The argument from analogy is not a strong inference, since the other being might be an actor or a robot [Grayling]