-Poul Anderson, Introduction to Anderson, "Death And The Knight" in Katherine Kurtz, ed., Tales Of The Knights Templar (New York, 1995), p. 274.
We are all limited to the logic of Aristotle because that logic formulates the kind of consistency between propositions without which we would not succeed in saying anything. If I begin a lecture by stating that Socrates was executed in 399 BC and end it by stating that he was executed in 299 BC, the first question will be, "You've given us two dates. Which is it?" Of course, I will say, "Sorry, that should have been 399 BC."
I will not claim that I am free to contradict myself because I am not limited to the logic of Aristotle and, if I did say that, then I would not succeed in telling anyone when Socrates was executed.
6 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
I have sometimes thought, given how terrible or inadequate education has become in many US schools, that we should go back to using a form of the Medieval Trivium and Quadrivium. The trivium, comprising grammar, logic, and rhetoric would be used for the beginning of children's education. Naturally, being taught how to read (preferably by using the system of phonics advocated by Jerry Pournelle) and write would accompany this.
Some form of the Medieval Quadrivium would be used for more advanced studies (I think there would be some overlap with the Trivium).
These reflections were inspired not only by this blog piece of yours but also by John C. Wright's ten part "The Suicide of Thought" series. I recall being taught grammar but not systematic logic, which I think was a lack. What do you think of the idea of reviving the Trivium/Quadrivium?
Sean
Sean,
I certainly agree that pupils should have a grounding in grammar and logic. I am not sure about the value of rhetoric.
Paul.
Paul:
Rhetoric might come in handy for convincing others of the CORRECTNESS of your logic, if it's dealing with a matter in which you can't simply provide objective evidence....
Kaor, Paul and DAVID!
I did a bit of checking up to be sure, but grammar is the art of teaching students the mechanics of the correct use of language. Logic teaches the mechanics of thought of how to detect fallacious arguments and how to reason. Rhetoric teaches you how to use grammar and logic, how to be persuasive.
Sean
Sean,
Language, thought and how to use them. Basic and Comprehensive.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Exactly! Which is one reason why it might be a good idea for people to take a look at the Medieval trivium and quadrivium. The latter focused on arithmetic, astronomy, music, etc. It could easily be expanded or deepened to include the advances on scientific knowledge made since St. Thomas Aquinas' time.
And Medieval education did have schools or universities teaching other subjects such as law, theology, or medicine for those who had finished the trivium/quadrivium. Yes, I know, medical knowledge was to remain woefully inadequate till the 1800's.
Sean
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