There is no method of reasoning more common, and yet none…
““There is no method of reasoning more common, and yet none more blameable, than, in philosophical disputes, to endeavour the refutation of any hypothesis, by a pretence of its dangerous consequences to religion and morality. When any opinion leads to absurdities, it is certainly false; but it is not certain that an opinion is false, because it is of danger-ous consequence. Such topics, therefore, ought entirely to be forborne; as serving nothing to the discovery of truth, but only to make the person of an antagonist odious.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Debating hypotheses by invoking dangerous moral or religious consequences is a flawed, unproductive tactic.
In simple terms: Avoid using fear to dismiss ideas.
Key Takeaway
Focus on logical validity.
Themes
argumentation
logic
ethics
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public policy
- ethical reviews
Key Concepts
philosophy
critical reasoning
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you seen arguments dismissed by moral panic?
- How can we assess ideas without moral bias?
A Different Perspective
Such tactics can silence legitimate inquiry.