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Single Idea 9357

[from 'A Pragmatic Conception of the A Priori' by C.I. Lewis, in 5. Theory of Logic / D. Assumptions for Logic / 2. Excluded Middle ]

Full Idea

The law of excluded middle formulates our decision that whatever is not designated by a certain term shall be designated by its negative. It declares our purpose to make a complete dichotomy of experience, ..which is only our penchant for simplicity.

Gist of Idea

Excluded middle is just our preference for a simplified dichotomy in experience

Source

C.I. Lewis (A Pragmatic Conception of the A Priori [1923], p.365)

Book Reference

Peirce,James,Dewey etc: 'Pragmatism - The Classic Writings', ed/tr. Thayer,H.S. [Hackett 1982], p.365


A Reaction

I find this view quite appealing. 'Look, it's either F or it isn't!' is a dogmatic attitude which irritates a lot of people, and appears to be dispensible. Intuitionists in mathematics dispense with the principle, and vagueness threatens it.