date

7 Aug 1815 * A  + Jug True
7 Aug 1815 * A  +

Jug True

Ch. Imperfection

§. Marks of Verity

1. From Individualization

(1)

To the trustworthiness of any narrative a determinate and correct indication given of time at which in each instance the alledged events or state of things in question is represented as having place, is an essential requisite. Why? Because if this is not required of a man, his narrative or statement may from beginning to end be a topic of falsehood, and yet no means of proving it so be furnished by it.

On the other hand, let the time be fixt in this case, if there be more or less of falshood in the narrative if not a source of detection at any rate a ground of suspicion will naturally be furnished by it. The existence of the falsity reported (in question) will naturally be incompatible and so seems to be with the existence of some other event or state of things: which has been rendered either practically certain or more or less probable by other evidence more or less trustworthy.

In some cases the effect of the disproof will amount practically speaking to be conclusive: as where the event or state of things is incompatible with the relative state of the earth and the other celestial bodies of the known world as established by astronomical observation and calculations.

In this case is the story of the star by which the wise men of the East were conducted from their own country to the stable at Bethlehem where Jesus for a few days after his birth is represented as having been kept.

1

Requisites to trustworthiness in a narrative:

1. Indication of the [...?] time.

Individualization in respect of time. Reason: But for this falshood may be universal, yet no manner of detecting it.

2

[...?] contra, if the time be compleatly individualized, then if not a source of detection, a ground of suspicion will naturally be furnished by it. Of the falsely reported event or state of things the existence will be and be seen to be incompatible with d o, if some others provable by more trustworthy evidence.

3

In some cases the disproof will be conclusive: viz where the falsified fact is incompatible with the state of the heavens at that time.

4

[...?] [...?] Star [...?] [...?][...?] [...?].
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    Description: 7 Aug. 1815 : rework this 14 Aug.

    Jug. True

    Ch. Imperfections

    1

    §. Marks of Verity

    (4) (1)

    Modes of verity—give the use of all or each

    1. Individualization as to time

    2. D o as to Place Time 1. abridged 2. relative

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    2. No mutual contradictions.

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  • Title: [Another version of this material at 29,806]
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    15 Nov r 1813  Omitt this page? 5 Aug 1815?

    Antimir Price & Campbel

    1

    Campbel

    Ch 1 Beginning

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    The This sentence crossed through in pencil. Unreasonableness of Credulity: or Improbability a just cause of disbelief: or Campbel and Price—their reasons for the belief of what is improbable examined.

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  • Title: [21 Aug 1815 B + A  Ch. Imperfection]
    Description: 21 Aug 1815 B + A 

    Ch. Imperfection Evidenciary

    1

    §. Marks of verity

    This is [....?] Evidence?

    §. Marks: or criterion of verity or [...?] circumstances attached to a narrative or statement by the individualizing and concomitant circumstance, the circumstances in which it was placed by which it was accompani ...

    Marks or criterions of verity in the case of a discourse by any event, incident occurrence or state of things supposing it really to have had place will be sure to abide: these are certain circumstances with which in a proportion more or less considerable, as determined by the name or appellation employed in the designation of it, and which if the description given of it be effectually individualized, i.e. distinguished from all individual events or states of things capable of being designated by the same generic or specific names. The effect these collateral circumstances is—that, if, in relation to ony one of these heads the description given of the principal event or state of things in question is false, (the falsity of) the account given of the main or principal event, as designated by its appropriate generic or specific name will be seen to be false likewise.

    Of these individualizing and these particularizing concomitant circumstances the greater the known number, the more difficult will it be in a statement which in respect of the main event or state of things is false and therefore in respect of these several circumstances if spoken of circumstances by which that event or state of things was accompanied, false likewise, shall never the less be taken for true. The greater the number of these circumstances the greater the more extensive is the surface exposed to detection in the case of falsity.

    1.

    Criterions of verity i.e. sources of detection in case of falsity, are individualizing

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    2.

    The greater the number of those circumstances stated in the report as having had place, the greater the chance that if the report made of the principal fact be false the falsity of it will become manifest. The greater the quantity of surface exposed to detection and falsification.