The Commens Dictionary

Quote from ‘Minute Logic: Chapter I. Intended Characters of this Treatise’

Quote: 

No; but there is nothing at all in our knowledge which we have any warrant at all for regarding as absolute in any particular. Absolute infallibility may belong to the pope and the ecumenical councils: it is outside my province to discuss that question. But I am quite confident it does not belong to the multiplication table. If I must make any exception, let it be that the assertion that every assertion but this is fallible, is the only one that is absolutely infallible. But though nothing else is absolutely infallible, many propositions are practically infallible; such as the dicta of conscience. As for those things which are known by everyday experience, let him doubt them who can lay his hand on his heart and say that he does doubt them. For the rest of us, it would be mendacity to say that our degree of assurance of them is unsatisfactory.

Date: 
1902
References: 
CP 2.75
Citation: 
‘Fallibilism’ (pub. 08.01.13-17:50). Quote in M. Bergman & S. Paavola (Eds.), The Commens Dictionary: Peirce's Terms in His Own Words. New Edition. Retrieved from http://www.commens.org/dictionary/entry/quote-minute-logic-chapter-i-intended-characters-treatise-1.
Posted: 
Jan 08, 2013, 17:50 by Sami Paavola
Last revised: 
Jan 07, 2014, 01:01 by Commens Admin