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The infidelity of the Gentile world, and that more…

“The infidelity of the Gentile world, and that more especially of men of rank and learning in it, is resolved into a principle which, in my judgment, will account for the inefficacy of any argument, or any evidence whatever, viz. contempt prior to examination.” quote by William Paley
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““The infidelity of the Gentile world, and that more especially of men of rank and learning in it, is resolved into a principle which, in my judgment, will account for the inefficacy of any argument, or any evidence whatever, viz. contempt prior to examination.””

William Paley

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Pre‑judgment undermines argument strength; contempt before examination defeats rational discourse.

In simple terms: Contempt before examination weakens arguments.

Key Takeaway

Avoid bias; evaluate ideas openly.

Themes

logic critical thinking prejudice argumentation

Mood

critical thought‑provoking

Type

intellectual skeptical

When to use this quote

  • debate clubs
  • academic writing
  • legal analysis

Key Concepts

philosophy rhetoric psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What assumptions do you hold before hearing an argument?
  • How can you practice impartial evaluation?
A Different Perspective

Pre‑conceptions can be hard to overcome.

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