Single Idea 21623

[catalogued under 3. Truth / A. Truth Problems / 7. Falsehood]

Full Idea

The concepts of truth and falsity are not symmetrical. The asymmetry is visible in the fundamental principles governing them, for F is essentially more complex than T, by its use of negation.

Gist of Idea

True and false are not symmetrical; false is more complex, involving negation

Source

Timothy Williamson (Vagueness [1994], 7.5)

Book Reference

Williamson,Timothy: 'Vagueness' [Routledge 1996], p.208


A Reaction

If T and F are primitives, controlled by axioms, then they might be symmetrical in nature, but asymmetrical in use. However, if forced to choose just one primitive, I presume it would be T.