A Logic Of Facts

ction to L

Logic, p. 1

in a manner inconsistent with custom and convention. Anything, therefore, is to them a sufficient definition of a term which will serve

explained as being of two

the explanation of the se

ation of the specific properties by w

n with what it agrees, then note the most remarkabl

ion to acknowledge t

tion to maintain th

osition to improve t

ed violation of th

violation of the

tred of the ri

hich we can distinguish it from all other things. 'Probity and 'justice' are referred to 'disposition,' with reference to the 'ri

ing in power, so far forth as it is in power.' Tautological definitions cause more to be supposed than is true-the too terse explanation leaves some necessary thing unmentioned. A perfect definition requi

nson. When Caleb Whiteford inquired seriously of the Doctor, whether he really considered that a man ought to be transported, like Barrington, the pickpocket, for being guilty of a d

od's

ived these persons of consciousness, a judge would have hanged him for the offence; yet, could they themselves have been interrogated as to what harm they had suffered, th

whatever provisional definition he pleases of his terms. But having once given them, perspicuity requires that he should adhere to them. Any new sense in which a term is employed should be specially defined. In discoursing on a

. He is rash who stands surrounded by the elements of danger without taking; any precaution against the contingencies of peril; he is rash who does not take advantage of the calm, to repair his shattered rigging; he is rash who looks not o

of a power. 'Look where we will, do we not find ignorance powerful for every kind of wrong and evil? Powerful to take its enemies to its heart and strike its b

nces which are so called. Originally, felony denoted all offences, the penalty of which included forfeiture of goods; but, subsequent Acts of Parliament have declared various offences to be felonies without enjoining that penalty, and have taken away the penalty from othe

that it at last denotes a confused huddle of objects, having nothing whatever in common; and connotes nothing, not even a vague and general resemblance. When a name has fallen into this state, in which by predicating it of any object we assert literally nothing about the object, it has become unfit for the purposes either of thought or of the communication of thought; and

ic, p

s, there is frequently more truth in common acceptations of general terms than in the more precise definitions of science. Common sense gives to words their ordinary signification. The leading terms of philosophy are clothed in innumerable shades of meaning acquired in their transitional use, and immense is the knowledge of

ising through definitional incapacity, which makes it a moral

t bottom means injustice; he contends for some distorted image of right. Clear, undeniable right-clear, undeniable

s. Strength to forefend us against they delusion ability to see that the meaning gov

deceived in his expectation that the senate and people would submit to slavery provid

l not bear the scrutiny of an observant intellect. Be not frightened by denunciations; by being told that you are not a good subject or a good Christian, if you do not believe, or say that you believe this or that. Be not led astray by iteration-mistake not the familiar

ndeavour to arrive at truth, and make that your treasure. Be ever wide awake to see through any veil of sop

e Working Classe