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Single Idea 7091
[filed under theme 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 4. Other Minds / d. Other minds by analogy
]
Full Idea
The argument from analogy is a weak one, because it does not logically guarantee the inference I draw to the other's inner states, for he might be dissimulating or acting, or may even be a cleverly contrived robot which feels nothing.
Gist of Idea
The argument from analogy is not a strong inference, since the other being might be an actor or a robot
Source
A.C. Grayling (Wittgenstein [1988], Ch.3)
Book Ref
Grayling,A.C.: 'Wittgenstein' [OUP 2001], p.100
A Reaction
This gives the impression that for an argument to be strong it must logically guarantee its inference. It strikes me that analogy is a good reason for believing in other minds, but that is because I am looking for the best explanation, not logical proof.
The
20 ideas
from A.C. Grayling
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23253
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23258
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23262
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23263
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23254
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23255
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7809
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7819
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7817
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7818
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7823
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7824
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7091
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The argument from analogy is not a strong inference, since the other being might be an actor or a robot
[Grayling]
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