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Causes Quote by David Hume

“From causes which appear similar, we expect similar effects. This is the sum total of all our experimental conclusions.” quote by David Hume
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“From causes which appear similar, we expect similar effects. This is the sum total of all our experimental conclusions.”

David Hume

About This Quote

Source Book: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748

We infer that alike causes produce alike results, forming the basis of scientific reasoning.

In simple terms: Similar causes lead to similar outcomes.

Key Takeaway

Observe patterns to predict results.

Themes

science logic induction

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • research design
  • policy analysis
  • risk assessment
  • medical trials

Key Concepts

empiricism causality

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden factors could break the pattern?
  • How reliable are our observations?
A Different Perspective

Assumes no hidden variables; correlation may not imply causation.

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