The Logical Fallacy of Apriorism (Madsen Pirie, The Use and Abuse of Logic) Normally we allow facts to be the test of our principles. When we see what the facts are, we can retain or modify our principles. To start out with principles from the first (a priori) and to use them as the basis for accepting or rejecting facts is to do it the wrong way round. It is to commit the fallacy of apriorism.  We dont need to look through your telescope, Mr Galileo. We know there cannot be more than seven heavenly bodies. (This was a short-sighted view.) The relationship between facts and principles is a complicated one. We need some kind of principle, otherwise nothing presents itself as a fact in the first place. The fallacy consists of giving too much primacy to principles, and in not permitting them to be modified by what we observe. It makes an unwarranted pre- sumption in favour of a theory unsupported by the evidence, and therefore rejects evidence relevant to the case. Aprioristic reasoning is widely used by those whose beliefs have very little to do w ith reality anyway. The fallacy is the short brush which sweeps untidy facts under a carpet of preconcep- tion. It is a necessary household appliance for those determined to keep their mental rooms clean of the dust of the real world. Engraved on the handle, and on the mind of the user, is the legend: My minds made up. Dont confuse me with facts.
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 15:22:01 +0000
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