more from Gilbert Harman

Single Idea 19309

[catalogued under 2. Reason / A. Nature of Reason / 1. On Reason]

Full Idea

Although logic does not seem specially relevant to reasoning, immediate implication and immediate inconsistency do seem important for reasoning.

Gist of Idea

Logic has little relevance to reasoning, except when logical conclusions are immediate

Source

Gilbert Harman (Change in View: Principles of Reasoning [1986], 2)

Book Reference

Harman,Gilbert: 'Change in View: Principles of Reasoning' [MIP 1986], p.20


A Reaction

Ordinary thinkers can't possibly track complex logical implications, so we have obviously developed strategies for coping. I assume formal logic is contructed from the basic ingredients of the immediate and obvious implications, such as modus ponens.