Correct reasoning can often be seen as a series of self-evident truths or tautologies, which means that conclusions are inherently contained within the premises from which they are derived. This implies that logical arguments essentially rely on repeating what is already known or implied by the initial information given.
The deeper meaning of this statement suggests that while all correct reasoning can be reduced to these fundamental self-evident truths, understanding and utilizing them effectively requires a profound level of insight and intelligence. The quote hints at the idea that recognizing tautologies in complex systems may not be straightforward for humans but could be within the capability of an entity with infinite wisdom and knowledge, such as what is often attributed to God. This implies a limitation on human intellect when it comes to comprehending intricate logical structures and fully grasping their underlying simplicity.
Herbert A. Simon was an influential American economist, political scientist, and cognitive psychologist who made significant contributions in multiple fields including artificial intelligence and organizational design. He received the Nobel Prize in Economics for his research on decision-making within economic organizations. His work frequently explored how people make decisions under uncertainty and the limitations of human cognition when dealing with complex systems.