What we know is not capable of being otherwise; of things…
“What we know is not capable of being otherwise; of things capable of being otherwise we do not know, when they have passed outsideour observation, whether they exist or not. Therefore the object of knowledge is of necessity. Therefore it is eternal; for things that are of necessity in the unqualified sense are all eternal; and things that are eternal are ungenerated and imperishable.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Knowledge is limited to what is observable; true knowledge must be eternal and unchanging, implying an eternal, ungenerated reality.
In simple terms: Knowledge is about what can be observed; true knowledge is eternal.
Key Takeaway
Seek timeless truths beyond fleeting observations.
Themes
philosophy
ontology
epistemology
Mood
inquisitive
philosophical
Type
theoretical
abstract
When to use this quote
- science
- theology
- abstract reasoning
Key Concepts
eternal truths
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can something be known without observation?
- What is the role of permanence in knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Eternal claims may conflict with empirical evidence.