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Subject: The only way a deductively valid argument can fail.

Author:
Wade A. Tisthammer

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Date Posted: 03/30/04 12:47pm
In reply to: Damoclese 's message, "Axiomatically true mathematical systems" on 03/24/04 7:00am

>I think this fact would be prudent to remember,
>because there are ways in which logical arguments fail
>besides within the premises themselves.

Not if the argument is deductively valid. If the argument is valid (e.g. the Tristram Shandy argument) the only way the argument can fail is if one of the premise(s) fail. Perhaps one of the premises does fail, but which one fails and why needs to be explained clearly before any objection can have compelling weight.

>The questions I'm inclined to ask Wade in light of
>this fact are: Do you see a beginningless task in
>reality conducted by humans?

Currently, I am not witnessing any such event.

>If no, then
>there is at least one assumption that is imaginary,
>though mathematically possible.

The possibility that at least what assumption is imaginary? Nowhere in the Tristram Shandy argument is it assumed that Shandy is writing his autobiography. Rather it makes conditional statements, like if Shandy was writing his autobiography...

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Replies:

Subject	Author	Date
Passing calculus, flunking philosophy and logic	Damoclese	03/30/04 2:40pm
Actually, I did well in both philosophy and logic. -- Wade A. Tisthammer, 03/31/04 12:45pm Wade never admits, he slithers. -- Damoclese, 03/31/04 2:55pm I've admitted mistakes before. What is there to admit here? -- Wade A. Tisthammer, 04/ 1/04 9:54am Falsity -- Damoclese, 04/ 1/04 11:36am Truth -- Wade A. Tisthammer, 04/ 1/04 12:08pm