Christian Nestell Bovee Quotes

Whoever does not philosophize for the sake of philosophy, but rather uses philosophy as a means, is a sophist.

Logic is the art of going wrong with confidence.

If you use a trick in logic, whom can you be tricking other than yourself?

Logic is neither an art nor a science but a dodge.

Logic is a system whereby one may go wrong with confidence.

I know too well that these arguments from probabilities are imposters, and unless great caution is observed in the use of them, they are apt to be deceptive.

Since the time of Plato and Aristotle philosophers have had an interest in taking note of common fallacies in reasoning.

Logic is the art of going wrong with confidence.

The first cause of Absurd conclusions I ascribe to the want of Method.

It is true the orator may make a myriad replica of his own passion out of those who listen to him. But that does not prove he is right or they are not fools.

Bad reasoning as well as good reasoning is possible; and this fact is the foundation of the practical side of logic.

Logic is neither a science nor an art, but a dodge.

Many of her thoughts were perfect syllogisms; unluckily they always remained thoughts. Only a few were irrational assumptions; but, unfortunately, they were the ones which most frequently grew into deeds

Our reasonings grasp at straws for premises and float on gossamers for deductions.

Sophistry, like poison, is at once detected and nauseated, when presented to us in a concentrated form; but a fallacy which, when stated barely in a few sentences, would not deceive a child, may deceive half the world, if diluted in a quarto volume.

It is a fatal fault to reason whilst observing, though so necessary beforehand and so useful afterwards.

Rhetoric is the counterpart of logic; since both are conversant with subjects of such a nature as it is the business of all to have a certain knowledge of, and which belong to no distinct science. Wherefore all men in some way participate of both; since all, to a certain extent, attempt, as well to sift, as to maintain an argument; as well to defend themselves, as to impeach.

I hope you become comfortable with the use of logic without being deceived into concluding that logic will inevitably lead you to the correct conclusion.

Logic is a wonderful invention. It is so wonderful, people often mistake it for reason. Reason, however, requires sense. Logic requires only consistency.

Mistakes are made on two counts: an argument is either based on error or incorrectly developed.

Logic is the art of convincing us some truth.

A man who is furnished with arguments from the mint will convince his antagonist much sooner than one who draws them from reason and philosophy.

When a false argument puts on the appearance of a true one, then it is properly called a sophism or fallacy.

If there was a trick, there must be a trickster.

Logic and truth are two very different things, but they often look the same to the mind that's performing the logic.