Skip to content

In the terrorist case, the inequivalence can be shown by…

“In the terrorist case, the inequivalence can be shown by proving the compatibility within the system of the following two propositions: (a) Yesterday it was possible for there to be an explosion. (b) It is not possible today that there was an explosion yesterday,” quote by David Foster Wallace
Download Open image
““In the terrorist case, the inequivalence can be shown by proving the compatibility within the system of the following two propositions: (a) Yesterday it was possible for there to be an explosion. (b) It is not possible today that there was an explosion yesterday,””

David Foster Wallace

About This Quote

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

The argument illustrates logical inconsistency by juxtaposing past possibility with present impossibility, exposing flawed reasoning.

In simple terms: Shows how contradictory statements reveal faulty logic.

Key Takeaway

Identify and challenge contradictory premises.

Themes

logic critical thinking philosophy

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • debates
  • policy making
  • scientific research
  • ethical discussions

Key Concepts

consistency argument analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you test the consistency of your beliefs?
  • What consequences arise from logical gaps?
A Different Perspective

Complex reasoning may be oversimplified, missing nuance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by David Foster Wallace

Explore all 999 David Foster Wallace quotes

More Proving quotes

Browse all 164 Proving quotes