Why should we determine the truth of a proposition or claim by the degree to which it is supported by logical reasoning and empirical evidence? Why not decide whether something is true or not according to whether some authority states it is true, or according to whether it is traditionally believed to be true? Or why not decide according to whether we feel good thinking it is true? Or by some other means?
Is there any reason or reasons for preferring logical reasoning and empirical evidence when deciding matters of truth and falsity?
For the sake of discussion, let's take the proposition, "There are six buffalo on the other side of that hill." How should we determine whether that statement is true? By logical reasoning and/or empirical evidence? By some authority? Because it makes us feel good to believe it? Or by some other means?
Would you subject a proposition about deity -- such as "Deity X exists" -- to the same means of determining its truth value as you would the proposition about buffalo? Why or why not?
Your thoughts, please.
Bonus Question: In a large, diverse, representative democracy, is there any reason to prefer determining the truth or falsity of propositions via logical reasoning and empirical evidence, rather than by any other means? Why or why not?
Is there any reason or reasons for preferring logical reasoning and empirical evidence when deciding matters of truth and falsity?
For the sake of discussion, let's take the proposition, "There are six buffalo on the other side of that hill." How should we determine whether that statement is true? By logical reasoning and/or empirical evidence? By some authority? Because it makes us feel good to believe it? Or by some other means?
Would you subject a proposition about deity -- such as "Deity X exists" -- to the same means of determining its truth value as you would the proposition about buffalo? Why or why not?
Your thoughts, please.
Bonus Question: In a large, diverse, representative democracy, is there any reason to prefer determining the truth or falsity of propositions via logical reasoning and empirical evidence, rather than by any other means? Why or why not?