The starting point of all knowledge is the rational mind. Before you can try to find out what the truth is, you need to know that there really is something called truth. Can we prove that truth exists?AverageBozo wrote: ↑June 29th, 2021, 11:19 amAre these inferences or mathematical equivalents?
Can you with certainty that mathematics is justified?
We can. We start by assuming that truth does not exist.
If truth does not exist, then the statement "Truth does not exist" is a true statement.
So, we have arrived at a contradiction. "Truth exists" is a necessary truth. Necessary truth means that the proposition could not possibly have been false.
Of course, someone might well say, "How can you justify logic?" Well, to paraphrase Ayn Rand, if you can argue against logic without using logic, I will consider your position. Or you could simply say, "I reject logic entirely for entirely illogical reasons." That would be fine with me too.
Rationalism arrived at certain knowledge. Scientific empiricism never arrives at certain knowledge. Yet, how often do I hear people say "I believe in science and logic!" You cannot. You can believe in either scientific empiricism or logic because scientific empiricism is inherently illogical and indefensible.