First sight Quote by Bertrand Russell
““If any one asks: ‘Why should I accept the results of valid arguments based on true premisses?’ we can only answer by appealing to our principle. In fact, the truth of the principle is impossible to doubt, and its obviousness is so great that at first sight it seems almost trivial. Such principles, however, are not trivial to the philosopher, for they show that we may have indubitable knowledge which is in no way derived from objects of sense. The””
About This Quote
Source Book: “The Problems of Philosophy” (1912)
The author argues that principles of reasoning are self‑evident and provide indubitable knowledge independent of sensory experience.
In simple terms: Fundamental reasoning principles are unquestionable and give certain knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Rely on basic logical principles for certainty.
Themes
logic
knowledge
epistemology
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- philosophical inquiry
- education
- critical thinking
Key Concepts
foundationalism
rationalism
Questions to Reflect On
- What principles seem self‑evident to you?
- How do you balance intuition and reason?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on self‑evident principles may ignore empirical nuance.
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