Acquire Quote by David Hume
“Tis evident that all reasonings concerning matter of fact are founded on the relation of cause and effect, and that we can never infer the existence of one object from another, unless they be connected together, either mediately or immediately... Here is a billiard ball lying on the table, and another ball moving toward it with rapidity. They strike; and the ball which was formerly at rest now acquires a motion. This is as perfect an instance of the relation of cause and effect as any which we know, either by sensation or reflection.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Cause and effect are inferred from observed regularities, not logical necessity; our knowledge of connections is based on experience.
In simple terms: We learn cause and effect through experience, not pure reason.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about causal links.
Themes
knowledge
empiricism
causality
reason
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- everyday decision making
- legal reasoning
Key Concepts
induction
skepticism
philosophy
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would change your view of a cause?
- How do you handle uncertain causation?
A Different Perspective
Causal inference can be uncertain when unseen factors intervene.
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