This function by which one thing signifies or indi-
cates another, and thereby leads us to consider how far
one may be regarded as warrant for belief in the other,
is, then, the central factor in all reflective or distinctively
intellectual thinking. By calling up various situations to
which such terms as signifies and indicates apply, the stu-
dent will best realize for himself the actual facts denoted
by the words reflective thought. Synonyms for these
terms are: points to, tells of, betokens, prognosticates,
represents, stands for, implies. 1 We also say one thing
portends another; is ominous of another, or a symptom
of it, or a key to it, or (if the connection is quite ob-
scure) that it gives a hint, clue, or intimation. | Various
synonymous
expressions
for the
function of
signifying Reflection
and belief
on evidence | Reflection thus implies that something is believed in
(or disbelieved in), not on its own direct account, but
through something else which stands as witness, evi-
dence, proof, voucher, warrant; that is, as ground of be-
lief. At one' time, rain is actually felt or directly ex-
perienced; at another time, we infer that it has rained
from the looks of the grass and trees, or that it is going
to rain because of the condition of the air or the state of
the barometer. At one time, we see a man (or suppose
we do) without any intermediary fact; at another time,
we are not quite sure what we see, and hunt for accom-
panying facts that will serve as signs, indications, tokens
of what is to be believed. Thinking, for the purposes of this inquiry, is defined
accordingly as that operation in which present facts sug-
gest other facts (or truths) in such a way as to induce be- ____________________
| 1 | Implies is more often used when a principle or general truth brings
about belief in some other truth; the other phrases are more frequently
used to denote the cases in which one fact or event leads us to believe in
something else. | -8- |