Epictetus · c. 50 – c. 135 CE
Discourses 2.25 — Epictetus
From “That Logic Is Necessary”
Translation by George Long (1877)
Epictetus, Discourses 2.25
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 was “Yes.” 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?
Cite this passage
Epictetus, Discourses 2.25, tr. George Long (1877)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/discourses/2.25
Epictetus, Discourses (as recorded by Arrian), tr. George Long (1877). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesA short exchange showing that logic is unavoidable: anyone who asks for a proof that logic is necessary already depends on logical argument, and needs it to tell whether they are being tricked.
Older wording
- “demonstrative”
- — in the form of a logical proof
Themes and situations
- Learning and progress
Quote cards
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