Can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence?

“That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.” Christopher Hitchens. It is not for a defendant to disprove an unproven case, but rather for the claimant to produce sufficient evidence to support its allegation.

What is asserted gratuitously may be denied gratuitously?

What is asserted gratuitously may be denied gratuitously. Variant: What is asserted without proof (evidence, reason), may (can) be denied (dismissed) without proof (evidence, reason). Anonymous maxim, widely used since at least the early 19th century (e.g. The Classical Journal , Vol. 40 (1829), p. 312).

What is razor in Occam’s Razor?

In philosophy, a razor is a principle or rule of thumb that allows one to eliminate (“shave off”) unlikely explanations for a phenomenon, or avoid unnecessary actions. Razors include: Occam’s razor: Simpler explanations are more likely to be correct; avoid unnecessary or improbable assumptions.

What is it called when you say something without proof?

unsubstantiated. adjective. an unsubstantiated argument, claim etc is one for which you have no evidence.

What is William of Ockham known for?

He is commonly known for Occam’s razor, the methodological principle that bears his name, and also produced significant works on logic, physics, and theology. William is remembered in the Church of England with a commemoration on 10 April.

Why are philosophical razors called?

In philosophy, a razor is a principle or rule of thumb that allows one to eliminate (“shave off”) unlikely explanations for a phenomenon, or avoid unnecessary actions.

What is the meaning logjam?

Definition of logjam 1 : a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse. 2a : deadlock, impasse trying to break the logjam in negotiations. b : blockage. c : jam, crowd.

What does conjecture definition?

1 : to arrive at or deduce by surmise or guesswork : guess scientists conjecturing that a disease is caused by a defective gene. 2 : to make conjectures as to conjecture the meaning of a statement. intransitive verb. : to form conjectures.

What is William of Ockham philosophy?

Throughout his career, Ockham remained a fideist, convinced that belief in God is a matter of faith alone. Against the scholastic mainstream, he insisted that theology is not a science and rejected all the alleged proofs of the existence of God.

What does William of Ockham deny?

Theologically, Ockham is a fideist, maintaining that belief in God is a matter of faith rather than knowledge. Against the mainstream, he insists that theology is not a science and rejects all the alleged proofs of the existence of God.

What is Hume’s razor?

Hume’s razor “If the cause, assigned for any effect, be not sufficient to produce it, we must either reject that cause, or add to it such qualities as will give it a just proportion to the effect.” – David Hume.

Is ought Hume?

The is–ought problem, as articulated by the Scottish philosopher and historian David Hume, arises when one makes claims about what ought to be that are based solely on statements about what is. The is–ought problem is closely related to the fact–value distinction in epistemology.