Values Quotes – Benjamin Jowett on Logic
Todays quote is from Benjamin Jowett, a 19th century theologian, influential tutor, and administrative reformer at the University of Oxford.
A thoughtful quote from Jowett is:
“Logic is neither science nor an art, but a dodge.”
As the Master of one of the Colleges at Oxford, and an expert on Plato, Jowett was a master of logic. And yet, he also acknowledged its limitations.
As a differentiating value, Logic means reasoned and reasonable judgment; or a system of reasoning.
Those who love knowledge and judiciousness tend to love logic. Thus, it’s not surprising to find those in academic institutions and the judicial system espousing the value of logic. These are the people we rely upon to uncover or clarify the truth.
But for Jowett, with all his extensive knowledge and system of reasoning, he highlights a serious caution to logic. There are those that would use logic to justify scientific theories and/or explain the complexities of life. But in reality, they are just using logic to dodge the real issue.
Some things can’t be explained. It simply requires faith.
And for those that appreciate the power of faith – that’s quite logical.
Today’s value was selected from the “Knowledge-Skillfulness” category, based on the e-book Developing Your Differentiating Values.
