Our ability to identify errors in our reasoning hangs on our ability to get that very reasoning right at some point.
Careful with “identify” there. If I come up with a proof that 1=2, I can recognize it’s not right without thereby also knowing which step is wrong.
Good point, though it remains that in order to identify 1=2 as an error, we have to be trustworthy in some respect. But you’re right that we don’t have to get that very bit of reasoning right just to know that we got it wrong.
Careful with “identify” there. If I come up with a proof that 1=2, I can recognize it’s not right without thereby also knowing which step is wrong.
Good point, though it remains that in order to identify 1=2 as an error, we have to be trustworthy in some respect. But you’re right that we don’t have to get that very bit of reasoning right just to know that we got it wrong.