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c. j. Mill's Theory of Reasoning.
Testimony
EPISTEMOLOGY AND LOGIC. arrive at universal truths by means of Infer. ence (59a1a). It is important note to here that J. S. Mill bases his theory of reasoning on universal propositions. But are these axioms themselves proved ? No, reasoning assumes them--they being mere generalisations from facts of experience. But this cannot yield absolute certainty.
(d) Nor Testimony can prove it. For the validity and truth of Testimony depends Nor can on Inference. Moveover Testimony itself establish it. depends on a middle term (fag or $T ) in another sense viz. the language used; in as much as the meaning of the language used and its correspondence with reality is always uncertain. To illustrate the import, we have the communication of the old man with the child, neither understanding inon y has the other's language. Hence absolute de pend on
Inference certainty can never be founded on authority, we cannot accept the ipse dexit of Manu even. And if Testimony could convey universal truth, yet there could be no knowledge of universals to one who had not himself received the testimony of one already in the know of them. But where is
For Testi
itself to
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