Teapots and Tobacco Replacement

Russell’s Celestial Teapot

While we aren’t particularly fond of the site that printed it, being a bit skeptical of “review” sites with seemingly strong ties to the products they review, an article by Lindsay Fox at Ecigarette Reviewed presents a compelling argument about the justification required by those who propose banning or limiting e-cigarette use.

It uses the concept of Bertram Russell’s “Celestial Teapot,” often used when arguing for or against the existence of God. The premise is that some group of people believe there is a tiny teapot floating in space, orbiting around the sun.  It is too small to be seen be telescopes, and therefore it is impossible to prove it does not exist. The idea behind the premise is that, in order to prove there is no teapot, one cannot rely on the absence of evidence to the contrary: evidence of the teapot’s existence would have to be presented by those claiming it exists, as the nature of the teapot makes it impossible for those claiming it does not to present evidence to prove their case.

In our case, the teapot would be the health hazards that justify banning or limiting e-cigarette use. Legislators are quick to restrict their use, citing a lack of evidence. “Studies have not been done proving e-cigarettes are safe,” they say.  In doing so, they are shifting the responsibility for proving the existence of the teapot to those claiming it does not exist.

The point of the article is that this view is completely backwards. If e-cigarettes are to be restricted or banned, the burden of proof lies with those claiming they are doing so due to health hazards presented by e-cigarettes. A rational argument should include the presentation of facts showing real health risks. Expecting anyone to be able to disprove the existence of all possible health risks associated with e-cigarettes, known and unknown, is akin to demanding proof that the Celestial Teapot does not exist.  It sets an obstacle so high that it cannot possibly be overcome.

In this case, e-cigarette proponents are being asked to disprove every possible health risk of e-cigarettes before their opponents will allow them to be used.  This simply cannot be done. Proof of the unknown cannot be presented. As such, the burden of proof falls on those who wish to take e-cigarettes away, as they are the only ones capable of justifying such actions. Pushing the responsibility for proof onto those on the other side of the debate serves only to saddle them with a task they cannot possibly complete.

Russell’s Teapot and the E-Cigarette Debate

Teapots and Tobacco Replacement