Card 8 of 24 · Weak Induction
Argumentum ad ignorantiam (ex incredulitate)
“I can’t imagine it, so it can’t be true.”
A lack of understanding isn’t evidence against reality.
Example
“I don’t understand quantum physics, so scientists must be making it up.”
A form of the “argument from ignorance”: treating the limits of one’s own knowledge or imagination as a limit on what is possible.
Diagnosis: P2 makes the knower the measure of reality. Conceivability is weak evidence at best, and inconceivability to one person is weaker still.
“I can’t imagine how God could be three persons and one essence, so the Trinity is incoherent.” Incoherence must be shown by deriving a contradiction, not by reporting difficulty.
“I can’t see how life could arise without design, so it couldn’t have.” Design arguments are stronger when stated positively (probabilities, specified complexity) than as incredulity.
“I can’t imagine anyone sincerely holding that view.” Moral imagination is limited; understanding precedes fair judgment.
Trail recovery
Turn “I can’t imagine” into a research question. In papers, distinguish “I haven’t found an explanation” from “there is no explanation,” and look for the best attempt by someone who thinks it’s possible.
Try saying: “I find that hard to picture too — what’s the best account anyone has given of how it could work?”
Keep questioning. Keep exploring.