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Logic is not the science of Belief, but the science of…

“Logic is not the science of Belief, but the science of Proof, or Evidence. In so far as belief professes to be founded on proof, the office of logic is to supply a test for ascertaining whether or not the belief is well grounded. With the claims which any proposition has to belief on the evidence…” quote by John Stuart Mill
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““Logic is not the science of Belief, but the science of Proof, or Evidence. In so far as belief professes to be founded on proof, the office of logic is to supply a test for ascertaining whether or not the belief is well grounded. With the claims which any proposition has to belief on the evidence of consciousness—that is, without evidence in the proper sense of the word—logic has nothing to do.””

John Stuart Mill

About This Quote

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

Logic evaluates claims by requiring evidence, not merely belief; it tests whether beliefs are well grounded.

In simple terms: Logic demands evidence, not belief.

Key Takeaway

Seek proof before accepting ideas.

Themes

logic evidence evidence epistemology critical thinking philosophy

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • legal argument
  • policy making
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

scientific method rational inquiry

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you verify your core beliefs?
  • When is belief without evidence acceptable?
A Different Perspective

Proof may be unattainable for subjective experiences.

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