Upon the whole, then, it appears, that no testimony for…
““Upon the whole, then, it appears, that no testimony for any kind of miracle has ever amounted to a probability, much less to a proof; and that, even supposing it amounted to a proof, it would be opposed by another proof; derived from the very nature of the fact, which it would endeavour to establish. It is experience only, which gives authority to human testimony; and it is the same experience, which assures us of the laws of nature. When, therefore, these two kinds of experience are contrary, we have nothing to do but subtract the one from the other, and embrace an opinion, either on one side, or the other, with that assurance which arises from the remainder. But according to the principle here explained, this subtraction, with regard to all popular religions, amounts to an entire annihilation; and therefore we may establish it as a maxim, that no human testimony can have such force as to prove a miracle, and make it a just foundation for any such system of religion.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Miracles cannot be proven by testimony because experience and natural law contradict such claims; thus faith lacks empirical foundation.
In simple terms: Miracles lack proof; experience rules.
Key Takeaway
Rely on evidence over miracle claims.
Themes
skepticism
science
faith
epistemology
logic
Mood
critical
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
argumentative
When to use this quote
- debates on religion
- scientific inquiry
- policy making
- education
- personal belief
Key Concepts
empiricism
philosophy of religion
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- Can experience ever fully disprove a miracle?
- What role does meaning play beyond proof?
A Different Perspective
His strict empiricism may discount subjective meaning people find in faith.