Adapting Quote by David Hume
“To invent without scruple a new principle to every new phenomenon, instead of adapting it to the old; to overload our hypothesis with a variety of this kind, are certain proofs that none of these principles is the just one, and that we only desire, by a number of falsehoods, to cover our ignorance of the truth.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, 1748
Creating new principles without grounding them in existing knowledge leads to falsehoods that mask ignorance rather than reveal truth.
In simple terms: Unfounded principles hide ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Base new ideas on solid evidence.
Themes
knowledge
philosophy
methodology
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research design
- theoretical development
- education curriculum
Key Concepts
epistemology
scientific method
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we test new principles?
- What role does skepticism play in discovery?
A Different Perspective
New principles must be testable and coherent.
