Sunday, January 10, 2010
I'm not wrong, just look at this logic! (Response A)
Logic is so powerful because it is, well, logical. As we have seen in syllogisms, a statement's conclusion can be something we all perceive to be wrong, but it does not break any of the rules of syllogisms. It is very difficult to argue with good logic, because the most we can often say is "well, it is obviously just wrong!". If a statement does not break any rules, but is wrong in our point of view, how do we prove it is wrong? Simple. You must also question the rules that have been set up this logic. Of course, an argument of logic can become useless if we do not agree on what is logical and what is not. The importance of logic is less in its power to state that which is true, and more in its power to persuade and state that which is reasonable. The most powerful logic begins with agreeable, factual statements to make its conclusion. Even if your conclusion is not true, the more reasonable your first two statements, the more likely you will persuade your reader to believe your conclusion is factual. This quote does not state that a reader will always be persuaded by logic, though. If a conclusion is something a reader believes to be false, it is not too likely they will be persuaded. For example, no matter how solid your logic, I will never believe that gravity doesn't exist. What this quote does argue is that logic is going wrong with confidence. As long as you feel your logic is sound, you will believe you are correct.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I mostly agree with your reasoning but what confuses me is that if you question the rules that have been set up by logic is it really valid?
ReplyDelete