Source:

Opuscules et fragments inédits de Leibniz
Louis Couterat (ed.)
p 232



Date: May 1693 (?)

Translated from the Latin



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LEIBNIZ: THE THREE DEGREES OF STRENGTH IN OPINIONS


[C p232]

     The three degrees of strength in opinions are logical certainty, physical certainty - which is only logical probability - and physical probability. An example of the first can be found in propositions of eternal truth; of the second in propositions which are known to be true from induction, like "every man is bipedal" (for on occasion men are born with one foot or none); of the third that "the south is rainy", propositions which are usually true, although are sometimes wrong. You should be able to distinguish many that are never violated except supernaturally, like "fire burns".


© Lloyd Strickland 2017