To judge the appearances we receive of things, we should…
“To judge the appearances we receive of things, we should need a judicatory instrument; to verify this instrument, we should need a demonstration;to rectify this demonstration, we should need an instrument: so here we are arguing in a circle. Seeing the senses cannot decide our dispute, being themselves full of uncertainty,we must have recourse to Reason; there is no reason butmust be built upon another reason, so here we are retreating backwards to all eternity.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Reason must be justified by further reason, leading to circular logic; senses are unreliable, so deeper rational analysis is needed.
In simple terms: Reason alone can’t prove itself; we need better tools.
Key Takeaway
Seek solid evidence beyond intuition.
Themes
logic
reason
uncertainty
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
inquisitive
When to use this quote
- debates
- scientific research
- legal arguments
Key Concepts
circular reasoning
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we avoid circular arguments?
- What tools improve our reasoning?