--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is commonly said that if rational…" description: "\"It is commonly said that if rational argument is so seldom the cause of conviction, philosophical apologists must largely be wasting their shot. The pr..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c24/austin-farrer-36521_abandoned_it-is-commonly-said-that-if-rational-arg_893984.png" --- # It is commonly said that if rational argument is so seldom… ![“It is commonly said that if rational argument is so seldom the cause of conviction, philosophical apologists must largely be wasting their shot. The premise is true, but the conclusion does not follow. For though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be…” quote by Austin Farrer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c24/austin-farrer-36521_abandoned_it-is-commonly-said-that-if-rational-arg_893984.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c24/austin-farrer-36521_abandoned_it-is-commonly-said-that-if-rational-arg_893984.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/c24/austin-farrer-36521_abandoned_it-is-commonly-said-that-if-rational-arg_893984.png) > “It is commonly said that if rational argument is so seldom the cause of conviction, philosophical apologists must largely be wasting their shot. The premise is true, but the conclusion does not follow. For though argument does not create conviction, the lack of it destroys belief. What seems to be proved may not be embraced; but what no one shows the ability to defend is quickly abandoned. Rational argument does not create belief, but it maintains a climate in which belief may flourish.” [Austin Farrer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/austin-farrer/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Rational argument rarely convinces, but its absence weakens belief; argument sustains a climate for belief to thrive. **In simple terms:** Arguments don't create belief but help keep it alive. Key Takeaway Use reason to support and protect beliefs. Themes faith reason belief maintenance Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical academic When to use this quote - theological debate - academic discourse - personal belief reflection Key Concepts epistemology philosophy of religion argumentation Questions to Reflect On - How does reason influence your own faith? - Can belief survive without rational support? A Different Perspective May not address emotional aspects of belief. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ability](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ability/) [Argument](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/argument/) [Belief](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/belief/) [Climate](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/climate/) [Conclusion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conclusion/) [Conviction](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conviction/) [Faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/faith/) [Philosophical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophical/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) ## Related quotes > [Dreams ought to produce no conviction whatever on philosophical minds. 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