more from C.I. Lewis

Single Idea 6556

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / B. Internal Justification / 4. Foundationalism / a. Foundationalism]

Full Idea

If anything is to be probable, then something must be certain.

Gist of Idea

If anything is to be probable, then something must be certain

Source

C.I. Lewis (An Analysis of Knowledge and Valuation [1946], 186), quoted by Robert Fogelin - Walking the Tightrope of Reason Intro

Book Reference

Fogelin,Robert: 'Walking the Tightrope of Reason' [OUP 2004], p.6


A Reaction

Lewis makes this comment when facing infinite regress problems. It is a very nice slogan for foundationalism, which embodies the slippery slope view. Personally I feel the emotional pull of foundations, but acknowledge the very strong doubts about them.