Attraction Quote by Ernest Sosa
“Intuitive seeming is in my view an attraction to assent based on nothing more than understanding of the content that upon consideration attracts one's assent. But such understanding-based attraction can differ dramatically in epistemic quality. Some such attractions represent nothing more than superstition or bias absorbed from the culture, sans ratiocination.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Knowledge and Justification, Ernest Sosa, 2000
Understanding can lead us to accept ideas, but the quality of that understanding varies; some are grounded, others are mere cultural bias or superstition.
In simple terms: Understanding can cause belief, but not all understanding is reliable.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess the basis of your convictions.
Themes
epistemology
belief
bias
culture
critical thinking
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal decision making
- media consumption
- policy formation
Key Concepts
justification
reliability
superstition
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports your belief?
- How do you differentiate cultural bias from rational insight?
A Different Perspective
Superficial understanding may masquerade as knowledge, leading to poor judgments.
