Normal conditions are a restriction on philosophical arguments, especially in epistemology, in order to avoid objections perceived as digressive. As a reply to objections to an explanation of a phenomenon, e.g. a hypothesis or a theory, it is said, argument X holds under normal conditions. In some cases, the concept of normal conditions tends to be rather blurred and the reply under normal conditions can tend to extend to everything that contradicts an argument. In cases, when the argument of normal conditions comes too often, according to the principle of Occam's Razor another explanation X' has to be found.
Famous quotes containing the words normal and/or conditions:
“Love brings to light the lofty and hidden characteristics of the loverwhat is rare and exceptional in him: to that extent it can easily be deceptive with respect to what is normal in him.”
—Friedrich Nietzsche (18441900)
“The worst of my actions or conditions seem not so ugly unto me as I find it both ugly and base not to dare to avouch for them.”
—Michel de Montaigne (15331592)