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2 ideas
5629 | If a proposition implies any false consequences, then it is false [Kant] |
Full Idea: If only a single false consequence can be derived from a proposition, then this proposition is false. | |
From: Immanuel Kant (Critique of Pure Reason [1781], B819/A791) | |
A reaction: Seems right. Of course, it might imply entirely true consequences, and still be false. This idea has to be one of the foundations (sic) of coherentism about truth and justification. |
8406 | Not all explanations are causal, but if a thing can be explained at all, it can be explained causally [Sanford] |
Full Idea: Although not all explanations are causal, anything which can be explained in any way can be explained causally. | |
From: David H. Sanford (Causation [1995], p.79) | |
A reaction: A nice bold claim with which I am in sympathy, but he would have a struggle proving it. Does this imply that causal explanations are basic, or in some way superior? Note that functional explanations would thus have underlying causal explanations. |