User:Omphaloscope/Self-evidence

In epistemology (theory of knowledge), a self-evident statement is one whose truth can be seen from its meaning alone, and no logical argument is required to support it.

Sometimes these statements, or propositions, are believed to be self-evident:


 * A finite whole is greater than any of its parts.


 * It is impossible for the something to be and not be at the same time in the same manner.


 * "I am conscious."

Certain forms of argument from self-evidence are considered fallacious or abusive in debate. For example, if a proposition is claimed to be self-evident, it is an argumentative fallacy to assert that disagreement with the proposition indicates misunderstanding of it.