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When I studied how to think in school, I was taught that…

“When I studied how to think in school, I was taught that the first rule of logic was that a thing cannot both be and not be at the same time and in the same respect. That last note, “in the same respect,” says a lot. As soon as you change the frame of reference, you’ve changed the truthiness of a…” quote by Alan Alda
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“When I studied how to think in school, I was taught that the first rule of logic was that a thing cannot both be and not be at the same time and in the same respect. That last note, “in the same respect,” says a lot. As soon as you change the frame of reference, you’ve changed the truthiness of a once immutable fact.”

Alan Alda

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Logic’s law of non-contradiction holds only within a fixed frame; shifting perspective can alter what appears immutable.

In simple terms: Truth depends on context.

Key Takeaway

Perspective changes facts.

Themes

philosophy logic relativism cognition epistemology

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive analytical

Type

aphilosophical observational

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • ethical dilemmas
  • political discourse
  • personal decision‑making
  • scientific paradigm shifts

Key Concepts

non-contradiction frame of reference truth perception

Practical Applications

  • critical thinking training
  • strategic communication

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does changing a frame affect your conclusions?
  • When might a rigid logic be limiting?
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