The Commens Dictionary

Quote from ‘The Branches of Geometry; Existential Graphs [R]’

Term: 
Possibility
Quote: 

We certainly have the notion of objective possibility, whether there be such a thing or not. It may be defined as that mode of being which is not subject to the principle of contradiction since if it be merely possible that A is B, it is possible that A is not B. [—] How can the principle of contradiction fail to apply to anything? By something being held in reserve and not expressed.

Source: 
Peirce, Charles S. (1905 [c.]). The Branches of Geometry; Existential Graphs [R]. MS [R] 96
Date: 
1905 [c.]
References: 
MS [R] 96
Citation: 
‘Possibility’ (pub. 24.11.15-16:23). Quote in M. Bergman & S. Paavola (Eds.), The Commens Dictionary: Peirce's Terms in His Own Words. New Edition. Retrieved from http://www.commens.org/dictionary/entry/quote-branches-geometry-existential-graphs-r.
Posted: 
Nov 24, 2015, 16:23 by Mats Bergman
Last revised: 
Nov 24, 2015, 16:33 by Mats Bergman