Certainty
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Certainty series |
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- A related article is titled uncertainty.
- For statistical certainty, see probability.
Certainty is the state of being without doubt. Certainty is a condition of the total continuity of foundational inquiry. Something is certain only if no skepticism can occur. Philosophy (at least historically) struggles toward certainty. Meditations on First Philosophy is a famous pursuit of certainty by Descartes. Epistemology is the study of knowledge, certainty and truth. Contemporary views of knowledge, both in philosophy and in general, do not demand certainty. It is widely held that certainty is failed historical enterprise.[1] A common alternative is "justified true belief".
[edit] Logic
It is generally believed that Deductive reasoning does make conclusions which are certain. An example:
- P or Q.
- not P.
- Therefore, Q.
The conclusion of Q however, requires "P or Q" and "not P" are true. Logic can only extend certainty to the conclusion but cannot establish certainty of the premises.
| “ | There is no such thing as absolute certainty, but there is assurance sufficient
for the purposes of human life. — John Stuart Mill |
” |
| “ | Doubt is not a pleasant condition, but certainty is absurd. — Voltaire | ” |
| “ | In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes. — Benjamin Franklin | ” |
[edit] See also
- I think therefore I am
- On Certainty a book by Ludwig Wittgenstein
- Skeptical hypothesis
- Almost surely
- Infallibility
[edit] External links
- Certitude - article in the Catholic Encyclopedia.
- http://www.bartleby.com/61/41/C0214100.html
- http://atheism.about.com/library/glossary/general/bldef_certainty.htm
