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A truth is not necessary, because we negatively are not…

“A truth is not necessary, because we negatively are not able to conceive the actual existence of the opposite thereof;but a truth is necessary when we positively are able to apprehend that the negation thereof includes an inevitable contradiction. It is not that that we can see how the opposite…” quote by R.L. Dabney
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““A truth is not necessary, because we negatively are not able to conceive the actual existence of the opposite thereof;but a truth is necessary when we positively are able to apprehend that the negation thereof includes an inevitable contradiction. It is not that that we can see how the opposite comes to be true, but it is that the opposite can not possibly be true.””

R.L. Dabney

About This Quote

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

The passage argues that a truth is unnecessary when we cannot conceive its opposite, but necessary when the opposite leads to contradiction.

In simple terms: Truth is needed when the opposite is contradictory.

Key Takeaway

Consider logical consistency when evaluating truths.

Themes

logic philosophy truth contradiction epistemology

Mood

analytical intrigued

Type

contradiction:1 life:0 truth:1 truth necessary:1 contradiction opposite:0 existence opposite:0 inevitable contradiction:0

When to use this quote

  • academic debates
  • philosophical essays
  • critical thinking workshops
  • personal contemplation

Key Concepts

paradox negation conceptual analysis

Questions to Reflect On

  • What makes a truth necessary?
  • How do contradictions shape understanding?
A Different Perspective

Complex language may obscure the point.

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