A priori premises. A priori is a term of logic meaning, roughly, “before examination.” A statement based on an a priori premise cannot be argued because such a premise can be neither proved nor disproved: People are simply convinced of its truth or untruth. A priori premises have the force of fact because they are so deeply held, even though they cannot be supported by factual evidence. Many deeply held and widely shared assumptions about human nature are a prior premise with cultural, racial, social, or religious roots. If you argue from an a priori premise with someone who does not share it, you find yourself arguing in circles or along parallel lines—but never toward resolution—because legitimate proof is not possible. For instance, many arguments about the value of one social system or government versus another are futile because they are based on different a priori premises. Or if one person believes, a priori, that human beings are basically good, altruistic, and trustworthy, whereas another person believes human nature is essentially wicked, selfish, and dishonest then the two can never agree about human nature—no matter how many examples each person cites. The resolution is simple realize premises have been created that dont suit our needs and make new ones that do. Forget the roots you think you have and see it was a lie to divide. Not to Unite.
Posted on: Mon, 26 Jan 2015 00:11:03 +0000
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