Post by Eugene 2.0 on May 1, 2023 10:01:30 GMT
The form "all S are P" is general, while "there exists S such that it's P" is existential. (An important addition: the existential means also that "some or maybe all of S are P").
Let's say we're unaware of what is true: the general or existential? What to prefer? My view is that existential preferable in case when we know at least one case, which is true, otherwise the generalized is preferable:
(1) existential is simple, and
(2) it's more trustworthy.
By doubting the generalized forms we are trying to find such an example that is "there exists S such that it is not P". Until it hasn't been found, the existential is still relevant to be true.
However, if we don't know any case that S is related to P, there's a strong recommendation to avoid of the existential, since any existential form requires at least one case of S related to P exists.
Let's say we're unaware of what is true: the general or existential? What to prefer? My view is that existential preferable in case when we know at least one case, which is true, otherwise the generalized is preferable:
(1) existential is simple, and
(2) it's more trustworthy.
By doubting the generalized forms we are trying to find such an example that is "there exists S such that it is not P". Until it hasn't been found, the existential is still relevant to be true.
However, if we don't know any case that S is related to P, there's a strong recommendation to avoid of the existential, since any existential form requires at least one case of S related to P exists.