more from Nelson Goodman

Single Idea 12394

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / C. Ontology of Logic / 4. Logic by Convention]

Full Idea

A rule is amended if it yields an inference we are unwilling to accept; an inference is rejected if it violates a rule we are unwilling to amend.

Gist of Idea

If the result is bad, we change the rule; if we like the rule, we reject the result

Source

Nelson Goodman (Fact, Fiction and Forecast (4th ed) [1954], p.64)

Book Reference

Goodman,Nelson: 'Fact, Fiction and Forecast (4th ed)' [Harvard 1983], p.64


A Reaction

This is clearly in tune with Quine's assertion that logic is potentially revisable, and the idea is pragmatist in spirit. It is hard to deny that intuitions about what makes a good argument control our logic. I say the world controls our intuitions.