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22102 | Arguing with opponents uncovers truths, and restrains falsehoods |
Full Idea: There is no better way of uncovering the truth and keeping falsity in check than by arguing with people who disagree with you. | |||
From: Thomas Aquinas (On the spiritual perfection of life [1268], 26), quoted by Kretzmann/Stump - Aquinas, Thomas 05 | |||
A reaction: Not the sort of attitude you associate with medieval scholastics, who are presumed to be dogmatists. How many modern philosophers actually have the courage to follow this advice? |