Accurate Quote by Annie Besant
“If my interlocutor desires to convince me that Jupiter has inhabitants, and that his description of them is accurate, it is for him to bring forward evidence in support of his contention. The burden of proof evidently lies on him; it is not for me to prove that no such beings exist before my non-belief is justified, but for him to prove that they do exist before my belief can be fairly claimed. Similarly, it is for the affirmer of God's existence to bring evidence in support of his affirmation; the burden of proof lies on him.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: The Burden of Proof, 1900s
The speaker argues that the responsibility to provide evidence lies with the claimant, not the skeptic, whether discussing extraterrestrials or divine existence.
In simple terms: Claimants must prove their claims; skeptics need not disprove.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence before belief.
Themes
epistemology
skepticism
burden of proof
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
inquisitive
Type
argumentative
philosophical
skeptical
When to use this quote
- debates on alien life
- religious discussions
- scientific claims
- legal arguments
- media reporting
Key Concepts
philosophy
logic
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convince you of an extraordinary claim?
- How do you assess the credibility of a claimant?
A Different Perspective
Evidence may be hard to obtain, leaving some claims unresolved.
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