That the social sciences must abound in sophistry much more than
the other sciences, because in them each one consults his own judgment
or instinct alone.
2d. That in these sciences sophistry is especially injurious, because
it misleads public opinion where opinion is a power--that is, law.
Two sorts of books, then, are required by these sciences; those which
expound them, and those which propagate them; those which show the
truth, and those which combat error.
It appears to us that the inherent defect in the form of this little
Essay--_repetition_--is that which constitutes its principal value.
In the question we have treated, each sophism has, doubtless, its own
set form, and its own range, but all have one common root, which is,
"_forgetfulness of the interests of man, insomuch as they forget the
interests of consumers_." To show that the thousand roads of error
conduct to this generating sophism, is to teach the public to
recognize it, to appreciate it--to distrust it under all
circumstances.
After all, we do not aspire to arouse convictions, but doubts.
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