more from Bertrand Russell

Single Idea 6109

[catalogued under 5. Theory of Logic / K. Features of Logics / 1. Axiomatisation]

Full Idea

Some of the premisses (of my logicist theory) are much less obvious than some of their consequences, and are believed chiefly because of their consequences. This will be found to be always the case when a science is arranged as a deductive system.

Gist of Idea

Some axioms may only become accepted when they lead to obvious conclusions

Source

Bertrand Russell (Logical Atomism [1924], p.145)

Book Reference

Russell,Bertrand: 'Russell's Logical Atomism', ed/tr. Pears,David [Fontana 1972], p.145


A Reaction

We shouldn't assume the model of self-evident axioms leading to surprising conclusions, which is something like the standard model for rationalist foundationalists. Russell nicely points out that the situation could be just the opposite