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Quintillian's Principle of Uncertainty

16. As to that which is the subject of deliberation, it is either certain that it may be carried into effect, or uncertain. If it be uncertain, its uncertainty will be the sole point for consideration, or, I should say, the chief point, for it will often happen that we shall assert, first of all, that a thing, even if it could he done, ought not to be done, and, next, that it cannot be done. But when the question is respecting something uncertain, the point is conjectural: can the Isthmus be cut through, or the Pontine marshes drained, or a harbor made at Ostia, or was Alexander likely to find lands beyond the ocean? 17. But even in regard to things which are acknowledged to be practicable, there will sometimes be room for conjecture: as if it were inquired, for instance, whether it would ever happen that the Romans would subdue Carthage, whether Hannibal would return if Scipio transported his army into Africa, or whether the Samnites would keep faith if the Romans were to lay down their arms. As to some things, too, it is credible both that they can be done and that they will be done, but at some other time, or in some other place, or in some other manner.

Added detail:
Reading more on Quintilian, the above is more of philosophy. Quoting something from http://www.dpi.state.nc.us/curriculum/socialstudies/scos/2003-04/099psychology, "The study of psychology enables students to recognize and cope with uncertainty and ambiguity in human behavior."

2006-09-28 07:21:26 · answer #1 · answered by endrshadow 5 · 3 0

What the heck, Have you visit your speech pathologist??? I'm getting confused.

2006-09-28 14:16:04 · answer #2 · answered by Motta 2 · 0 0

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