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Adventures in Philosophy |
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by Bernard Bolzano
It is quite possible to know many rules of logic without previous purposeful meditation, or without having studied logic. Without knowing these rules, one can follow some of them, either through intuition, or by observing the methods of his fellow-men who are more acquainted with them. In this way, it is possible to obtain considerable skill in correct thinking, even on scientific matters. But one is more successful in avoiding mistakes, finding previously hidden new truths, and in coordinating and utilizing them, if one has completely learned the rules which must take place with all this. The same principles that apply to careful speech also apply to careful thought, or many of the other activities where man can exercise them perfectly without having previously been taught their rules of procedure. Everyone admits that the study of the rules of language is useful; is one speaks correctly, he can follow these rules with more certainty. For the same reason, similar advantages arise from a proper study of the rules of logic and science. The knowledge of these rules becomes particularly necessary, if one is not to be led astray by artificially invented paralogisms. One should be capable of refuting sophisms in an intelligible manner. A knowledge of the rules of logic, obtained without a proper study of logic, is insufficient is one is to disprove clearly to others the fallacious premise of a paralogism. If one is incapable of logical analysis, then he cannot guard himself or others against the dangers of manifold deceptions, especially when the senses welcome error. For it becomes difficult for rationality to disclose fallacy when one's emotions rejoice in accepting erroneous conclusions. Unfortunately there are too many ubiquitous paralogisms. Their nature is such, that they lead us astray in both our moral and religious convictions. It is therefore desirable, that each man study logic, if only to guard himself and his fellow man against seduction by paralogism. It is impossible to treat successfully some of the more difficult sciences, such as metaphysics, without being conscious of all the rules which must be adhered to in sequential order for a scientific demonstration. Probably the reason for the unlimited confusion in metaphysics and some of the other philosophical sciences, is the lack of a highly developed science of logic. Every useful, elaborated manual of logic is written, more or less strictly, in a scientific form; containing explanations, proofs, objects, refutations, etc. The study of such books makes for correct thinking; a training not inferior to that which may be gained through the study of many other sciences.
Excerpted from Wissenschaftslehre, by Bernard Bolzano |
Von Bolzano Zu Husserl: Eine Untersuchung Uber Den Ursprung Der Phanomenologischen Bedeutungslehre
Questions of Form: Logic and the Analytic Proposition from Kant to Carnap Mathematical Works of Bernard Bolzano Bolzano's Pphilosophy and the Emergence of Modern Mathematics Philosophy and Logic in Central Europe from Bolzano to Tarski: Selected Essays
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