more from Gilbert Harman

Single Idea 3100

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 4. Belief / e. Belief holism]

Full Idea

Since inference is inference to the best total account, all your prior beliefs are relevant and your conclusion is everything you believe at the end. So, you constantly reaffirm your beliefs in inference.

Gist of Idea

You have to reaffirm all your beliefs when you make a logical inference

Source

Gilbert Harman (Thought [1973], 12.1)

Book Reference

Harman,Gilbert: 'Thought' [Princeton 1977], p.189