the problem of the criterion (was: Re: [Buddha-l] Logic)

[Curt Steinmetz]

The statement

(a) "there are verifiable statements"

is itself unverifiable without resorting to circular logic. Obviously 
the same is true for

(b) "there are unverifiable statements"

as well as, most importantly,

(c) "there exist independently established, universally accepted 
criteria for distinguishing between statements on the basis of their 
verifiability".

I think there are only three ways around this:

(1) engage in blatant intellectual dishonesty (pretending that 
"(un)verifiability" is itself not subject to (un)verification - while 
insisting very loudly that you are doing no such thing) - aka "special 
pleading"

(2) adopt an explicitly axiomatic approach - in which one clearly says 
"A, B, C, etc are assumed without verification - so there" - see, for 
example, the works of Euclid, et al (aka, "reasoning" in the usual sense)

(3) take up fishing

Most people prefer option #3, while a large but vocal minority insist on 
#1. And 99+% of everyone appear to be congenitally incapable of 
comprehending the fact that #2 even exists as an option.

Curt Steinmetz

P.S. Every statement made in this email is false.


Piya Tan wrote:
> "The soul does not exist" is another.
>
> Happy Vesak,
>
> Piya Tan
>
>
>
> On Mon, May 12, 2008 at 11:12 PM, Bob Zeuschner
> <rbzeuschner at roadrunner.com> wrote:
>   
>> If there is no possible evidence, either way, the statement is called
>> unfalsifiable and untestable.
>>  "The soul exists" is such a statement.
>>
>>  Bob Zeuschner
>>  Dept. of Philosophy
>>
>>  Jackhat1 at aol.com wrote:
>>
>>     
>>> Is there a term for beliefs or concepts that cannot be  either disproved
>>>       
>> or proved, i.e., there is no evidence either way?
>>     
>>>  Jack H
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> **************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on
>>>       
>> family favorites at AOL Food.
>> (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)
>>     
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