Benjamin Jowett Quotes

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

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

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.

You cannot 'rationalize' what is not rational to begin with - as if lying were called 'truthization.' There is no way to obtain more truth for a proposition by bribery, flattery, or the most passionate argument - you can make more people believe the proposition, but you cannot make it more true.

If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull.

Logic is the technique by which we add conviction to truth.

I can't argue my way out of a paper bag.

talent to hoodwink the blind, and with a facility of speech well calculated to deceive the ignorant …

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.

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

Logic is the art of making truth prevail.

Logic is the art of convincing us some truth.

At the end of reasons comes persuasion.

Logic works, metaphysics contemplates.

A half truth, like half a brick, is always more forcible as an argument than a whole one. It carries better.

Good argument is intended to persuade another.

Rhetoric, which is the use of language to inform or persuade, is very important in shaping public opinion. We are very easily fooled by language and how it is used by others.

Tactics are manipulative.

Because an appeal makes logical sense is no guarantee that it will work.

The art of using deceit and cunning grow continually weaker and less effective to the user.

Rhetoric is the art of ruling the minds of men.

You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.

A philosopher once said, 'Half of good philosophy is good grammar.'

Persuasion is clearly a sort of demonstration, since we are most fully persuaded when we consider a thing to have been demonstrated.

Rhetoric is cheap, evidence comes more dearly.