1. For every rule there is an exception (premise).
Ergo,
2. The rule for every rule there is an exception itself must have an exception (subconclusion).
Ergo,
3. There are some rules that have no exception (main conclusion). — Agent Smith
Ouch!
I wish I could think of an intelligent response. Of course, there are logical similarities with Russell's Paradox and the Cretan Liar. But right now I can't think of a knock-down philosophical analysis (memo to self: ease up on the Semillon when browsing philosophy forums!) — alan1000
I think 1 is true and 2 is false. — Bartricks
A "rule without exception" is, ceteris paribus, equivalent to a tautology (i.e. inapplicable) — 180 Proof
1. is a colloquialism, not meant to be taken seriously. — jgill
1. is a colloquialism, not meant to be taken seriously.
— jgill
Are you sure? — Agent Smith
Yes, quite sure. "Rule" is an ill-defined entity that can be an axiom, a law, a tautology or simply a statistical likelihood. It's a well known saying much used by parents and politicians to excuse their hypocrisy. — unenlightened
Ethics? The alleged inadequacies of utilitarianism & Kantianism? — Agent Smith
It used to be considered a rule that swans are white.There are rules that are partial and others that are complete and by that I mean partial rules apply in most cases while complete ones all the time. Both would qualify as rules, oui? — Agent Smith
No. Like I wrote, "equivalent to a tautology" (i.e. self-repetitive, lacks information) because a "rule without exception" is inapplicable (i.e. applied in every case is, in effect, applied in no case).You mean self-contradictory? — Agent Smith
No. Like I wrote, "equivalent to a tautology" (i.e. self-repetitive, lacks information) because a "rule without expection" is inapplicable (i.e. applied in every case is applied in no case). — 180 Proof
1. Every rule has an exception (premise)
1 is a rule, ja? — Agent Smith
If your quote of my post isn't clear enough, my apologies, Smith, but I can't make my meaning (& parentheticals) any clearer. — 180 Proof
The point to my argument is that the rule all rules have exceptions ultimately contradicts itself, leading us to the conclusion there are rules without exceptions. — Agent Smith
Perhaps there's just one rule without an exception, that rule being "for every rule except this one there is an exception". — Michael
Get involved in philosophical discussions about knowledge, truth, language, consciousness, science, politics, religion, logic and mathematics, art, history, and lots more. No ads, no clutter, and very little agreement — just fascinating conversations.