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t&t asked in Arts & HumanitiesPhilosophy · 1 decade ago

Are there flaws in human logic?

I can think of one, the missing premise. When we come up with a list of premises, and then state a conclusion on those premises, even though the form may be valid, and even though the conclusion seems to flow naturally from the premises, there is always the possibility that there are many more premises, which are of equal or greater importance, that we haven't considered.

What other flaws are there?

Update:

Alan, I am referring to the system(s) of logic taught and used by humans today. Mills Methods of Experimental Inquiry, De Morgans Theorems, and anything else invented by humans. Don't take me wrong, I am not opposed to logic, I think our world might be better off if were more widespread. At the very least, we would be less likely to be persuaded by politicians and marketers.

d_r_siva, thanks for the link, that was very interesting.

Update 2:

glen123, no, no pat on the back. I have made the assumption that there a lot of people who know more than I do on the subject, and I was hoping to learn more, and I have.

14 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    In the 1930s, Austrian mathematician Godel proved a

    theorem which became the "Godel theorem" in cognition

    theory. It states that any formalized 'logical' system

    in principle cannot be complete in itself. It means

    that a statement can always be found that can be

    neither disproved nor proved using the means of that

    particular system. To discuss about such a statement,

    one must go beyond that very logic system; otherwise

    nothing but a vicious circle will result. Psychologist

    say that any experience is contingent - it's opposite

    is logically possible and hence should not be treated

    as contradictory.

    http://www.search.com/search?q=godel+incompletenes...

  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    Flaws In Logic

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    The missing premise is not a flaw in logic, since logic is not concerned with the solidity of an argument but only its validity.

    The flaw you point out is actually a human flaw, but not a flaw in logic itself.

  • 1 decade ago

    I believe you are confusing an axiom w/ logical induction. The former has established a rather meaningful connection to the universe as well as humans, were as the the latter only a connection to humans. Logic will, indefinitely always be flawed in so much that it does account for the whole.

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  • ?
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Heaven's to Betsy no! How could there logically be a logical flaw in logic, if all flaws in logic are illogical? Logic is pure, and lacking all error. :c) Not really. I truly think it depends. On what? Good question. On the premises.

  • Nep
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    Are there flaws in humans, or are there flaws in logic?

    First we must ask, is there inherent truth.... far too long of a topic for here. However, if we say that there is inherent truth, then we can say that there is no flaw in logic, only flaws in humans being illogical, or committing reification.

    If we are, by construct, the only "truth", which has no inherent basis, ie no truths, then is that very consideration, itself, a truth or an opinion(nihilist fallacy)?

    All unanswerable questions.

  • 1 decade ago

    The tyranny of the discontinuous mind, the idea that everything can be put into discrete groups. If the universe turns out to be a continuum rather than discrete, then any non-fuzzy system of logic is unable to accurately describe it.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    If a human determines that human logic is flawed, he may thereby be flawed in his own analysis, so it doesn't mean a hill of beans.

  • 1 decade ago

    That's basically the only reason....assumptions. The only thing that can be done is to keep them to a minimum; but we can't get rid of them.

    Did you give yourself a big pat on the back for answering your own question?

  • PeeTee
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    It is after all called "human" logic,and therefore flawed by definition. A man without self doubt is a monster.

    Source(s): Source?
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