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Single Idea 5854

[filed under theme 14. Science / C. Induction / 1. Induction ]

Full Idea

Nobody is on his guard against a disease that nobody has yet caught.

Gist of Idea

Nobody fears a disease which nobody has yet caught

Source

Aristotle (The Art of Rhetoric [c.350 BCE], 1372a)

Book Ref

Aristotle: 'The Art of Rhetoric', ed/tr. Lawson-Tancred,H.C. [Penguin 1991], p.121


A Reaction

A beautifully simple indication of one problem with induction. In a dangerous situation, you can't wait around for a few experiences in order to learn the regularities and rules. Either you are doomed, or you must explain using related experiences.