1) All forms of power tend to corrupt.
2) Knowledge is a form of power.
3) Therefore, knowledge tends to corrupt.
Is this argument valid or sound?
2006-11-14 08:40:37 · 13 answers · asked by sokrates 4 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Logically speaking, it is certainly valid (if we assume the premises to be true, I don't see any way out of the conclusion). But I don't doubt that you'll find any number or people who would say that it is not sound (the premises may well not be true!).
Take premise 1: All forms of power tend to corrupt. What about the power to stop corruption in yourself? Could unlimited ability to make yourself non-corrupt actually CAUSE corruption? I think you'd have a hard time demonstrating that to be so! And since you've used 'all', we only need one counterexample...
I'm sure you'll get many who would try to dispute the second premise too. I'll save that for those who are more adept than I. ( :
2006-11-14 08:49:48 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Why 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
It's valid, and sound, but only when coupled with the phrase "tends to." It's valid because... well, you're socrates with a k, so im guessing you know the definition of validity in logic. But we first have to accept that knowledge is a form of power, and that ALL forms of power tend to corrupt.
Really, in this argument, the word corrupt warps the way that we understand it; it's a loaded word. Most people that read that that appreciate the power of knowledge will tend to chafe against the statement of corruption.
My brain hurts. That's such a broad, sweeping argument that indicts the very fabric of humanity...
eh. i'll have to check back to this one to see answers from much wiser men and women than i.
2006-11-14 08:51:22 · answer #2 · answered by spewing_originality 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
at first no longer all ability corrupts. A determine is extra helpful than a baby, no longer purely bodily yet in words of their thinking skills. even with the indisputable fact that maximum mothers and dads are actually not corrupt as certainly they love their babies. some expertise can convey approximately good, and a few expertise can convey approximately undesirable issues. the certainty of martial arts as an occasion could nicely be utilized in defence or in attack. A violent martial artist might attack and abuse different, while somebody else might use it for good. that's right down to the guy's own morals. it is likewise approximately temptation. a individual without ability might considered like the are actually not corrupted, even with the indisputable fact that somebody without ability won't be able to administration others actual so their corruption could be hidden. it particularly is probable extra true to assert that ability magnifies corruption this is already a seed interior somebody's psyche, it would not unavoidably create corruption. So the respond is for specific and No based on the guy and the situations they locate themselves in, and additionally what the certainty they learn is. e.g. if somebody learns the thank you to rearrange plant existence nicely (this is expertise) it probable won't convey approximately corruption ;)
2016-10-22 02:23:14 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Valid. Man has made all sources of power to his disposal. Knowledge is growing continually as a corrupt form of power.
It Truly depends on the individual as Knowledge is a source of positive power for me as I would have no ill ideas to use it maliciously, whereas others (Hackers, Murderers & People of high power) use it for greed and personal gratification. This can be an undecided question...but a good one.
2006-11-14 08:52:28 · answer #4 · answered by em 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Knowledge can corrupt but not all knowledge is used to corrupt. One can use knowledge to create corruption or they can use it for the purpose to benefit.
I partially agree with you because even if one only wants to use the knowledge with good intentions, there is usually somebody not far behind ready to twist the knife of corruption-knowledge is power and power doesn't necessarily have to be in the mind of intelligence but rather a corrupt mind using the knowledge to create corruption about them
2006-11-14 09:40:33 · answer #5 · answered by WW 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you accept the Bible as God-breathed (greek/theopneustes/2 Tim 3:16), or, at the least, as having some solid philisophical concepts, you will find support for your argument. In Paul's letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 8:1), he says that knowledge "puffeth up" (KJV), or "makes arrogant" (NAS). Such a condition would remove objectivity in reason and judgment.
2006-11-14 08:57:06 · answer #6 · answered by John 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but who knows anything?? This is why God just watches us and doesn't interfere, he knows.
Seriously though, it is not knowledge really, or money, you can try to make money and become corrupted by trying, it is more the ambition, and rivalry, the challenge and the rules set forth by us society where if you are a good person you will simply not succeed.
2006-11-14 08:55:20 · answer #7 · answered by resiste_lfc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good theory, but it won't work. Knowledge for knowledges sake is no good, because it hasn't been applied. Knowledge for gain is no good, because no one benefits except the abuser. Knowledge that is shared is good, because everyone benefits. Hope that helps.
2006-11-14 09:50:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
wrong! some individuals may chose to become corrupt regardless of their inteligence. others may chose to do great works using the same knowledge. knowledge is neither good nor bad.
2006-11-14 08:51:12 · answer #9 · answered by madmike 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Neither valid or sound. The logic is flawed.
I will not bother answering the question you did not ask.
2006-11-14 08:50:09 · answer #10 · answered by producer_vortex 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋