more from Willard Quine

Single Idea 9340

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / A. A Priori Knowledge / 11. Denying the A Priori]

Full Idea

I think logic, arithmetic and geometry are subject to Quine's empirical revisability argument: quantum logic may turn out to be the best overall theory; so these things are justified a posteriori.

Clarification

Quantum logic is built on the uncertainties of quantum mechanics

Gist of Idea

Logic, arithmetic and geometry are revisable and a posteriori; quantum logic could be right

Source

comment on Willard Quine (Two Dogmas of Empiricism [1953]) by Paul Horwich - Stipulation, Meaning and Apriority §11

Book Reference

'New Essays on the A Priori', ed/tr. Boghossian,P /Peacocke,C [OUP 2000], p.168


A Reaction

Not much of an argument, because 'quantum logic' may also turn out to be a will-o'-the-whisp. Until it is established (which I doubt, because quantum theory is so poorly understood), I think we should be highly suspicious of the Quinean view.