jimrandomh comments on Beginning at the Beginning - Less Wrong
You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.
You are viewing a comment permalink. View the original post to see all comments and the full post content.
Comments (57)
HughRistik wrote:
I disagree with giving rationality this definition. The word you have defined here is "sound". Having an untrue premise or having an invalid deductive step means that an argument is unsound, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it's irrational. An argument may be rational but mistaken, provided (1) the argument was made in good faith, (2) reasonable effort (but not necessarily extensive effort) was put into avoiding mistakes like the one that was made, and (3) the argument is withdrawn when the error is pointed out.
I'm trying to observe what people are using "rational" to mean. I agree with you that an argument can be rational even if the premises are false, as long as they are not known to be false by the arguer.