When one of those who were present said, Persuade me that logic is necessary, he replied, Do you wish me to prove this to you?
The answer wasYes.
Then I must use a demonstrative form of speech.
This was granted.
How then will you know if I am cheating you by my argument?
The man was silent.
Do you see, said Epictetus, that you yourself are admitting that logic is necessary, if without it you cannot know so much as this, whether logic is necessary or not necessary?
Book: Discourses II
Subtitle: The Practice of Virtue
Author: Epictetus
Chapter: That logic is necessary. (Chapter 25 of 26)
Sections in this chapter:
Section 1:
When one of those who were present said, Persuade me that logic is necessary, he replied, Do you wish me to prove this to you?
The answer wasYes.
Then I must use a demonstrative form of speech.
This was granted.
How then will you know if I am cheating you by my argument?
The man was silent.
Do you see, said Epictetus, that you yourself are admitting that logic is necessary, if without it you cannot know so much as this, whether logic is necessary or not necessary?