Argument Quote by David Hume
““reasonings on this subject can only be drawn from effects to causes; and that every argument, deducted from causes to effects, must of necessity be a gross sophism; since it is impossible for you to know anything of the cause, but what you have antecedently, not inferred, but discovered to the full, in the effect.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Human Nature, 1739
It argues that reasoning from effects back to causes is unreliable; true knowledge must start with observed effects and move forward.
In simple terms: Reasoning from cause to effect is uncertain; start with what we see.
Key Takeaway
Base conclusions on observed outcomes.
Themes
epistemology
logic
causation
philosophy
Mood
thoughtful
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- policy analysis
- legal reasoning
- everyday decision making
Key Concepts
inductive reasoning
skepticism
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence do we need before inferring causes?
- How can we balance inductive and deductive reasoning?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate the role of theoretical models in guiding inquiry.
