This quote shows that Jowett thought that logic was not a science or an art but really a dodge. Science and art are very different. Scientists use facts, knowledge, and discovery, while artists use feelings, inspiration, and imagination. But if you had to put something in the category of art or science, it would probably fit in one of them. This quote however, says that logic does not fit in either of the categories. It says that logic is a dodge. It says that logic isn't facts or feelings. It says logic is deductive reasoning. Jowett is basically saying that he doesnt believe in logic, that logic is dodging the truth, and that logic should not be trusted.
Deductive reasoning is valid but its not always truthful. For example, if you say
- Everyone who eats cake is a quarterback.
- John eats cake.
- [Therefore,] John is a quarterback.
I think that this quote is true. I think logic is completely a dodge because it doesn't always tell the truth and it doesn't fit in the categories of art or science, which I think everything else does. Logic is a way of thinking that some people use to prove an argument even though they don't have all the facts. They use deductive reasoning, which is not always true, and say that they are right. Logic is only a dodge and there is no way you can trust it.
Remember, premises must either be axioms (facts) or the conclusion of another syllogism.
ReplyDeleteProve to me that premise 1 is a fact. Set up a proof.
The truth is, I don't think you can. I can think about a lot of exceptions to that premise.
Hence, premise 1 is neither an axiom nor the proven conclusion to another syllogism.
You know what that means? You can't use it as a premise.
I may not have proven that logic is without flaw, but I hope this example shows you that it is pretty strong. More than 2 millenia after its systematic invention and we still use it.