Commonly, that is to say metaphysically, either faith…
““Commonly, that is to say metaphysically, either faith takes the place of reason when reason can no longer establish plainly what faith then assumes in a simple holding-for-true, namely by belief and opinion: the hierarchy of the genres of knowledge authorizes the weaker one when the surer one falters. Or one will say that our faith (our adhesion by will to a statement) will increase to the very extent that it can be grounded on a clear and distinct knowledge of this statement, obtained by reason and its evidence: from a great light in the intellect there follows a great propensity in faith. Thus faith and reason either grow in inverse proportion or in direct proportion, but always starting from reason, which serves as the positive or negative condition of faith.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Faith and reason are interdependent: when reason fails, faith fills the gap; when reason succeeds, faith is strengthened.
In simple terms: Faith and reason rely on each other.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when to trust reason and when to trust faith.
Themes
faith
reason
knowledge
epistemology
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theoretical
reflective
When to use this quote
- philosophical debate
- personal belief formation
- academic teaching
- interfaith dialogue
Key Concepts
metaphysics
ontology
cognitive hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance reason and faith in decisions?
- When should faith override reason?
A Different Perspective
Faith may become dogmatic if reason is ignored.