principle of charity

Principle named by Neil L. Wilson - in Review of Metaphysics (1958-59), page 532 - that when interpreting another speaker, especially of an unknown language, we should make those assumptions about his intelligence, knowledge, sense of relevance and so on, that will make most of what he says come out true.

Also see: principle of humanity

Source:
G Sundholm, 'Brouwer's Anticipation of the Principle of Charity', Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society (1984-85), 264-68


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