Accidents Quote by Ernest Sosa
“It is also certain that when we assent to some piece of reasoning when our perception of it is lacking, then either we go wrong, or, if we do stumble on the truth, it is by accident, so that we cannot be sure that we are not in error.”
About This Quote
When we accept reasoning without fully understanding it, we risk error; any truth we find may be accidental, leaving us uncertain of our correctness.
In simple terms: Accepting ideas without grasping them can lead to mistakes.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions before agreement.
Themes
epistemology
critical thinking
uncertainty
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- legal judgments
- personal decisions
- scientific research
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
truth
logic
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you hold without evidence?
- How can you test your reasoning?
A Different Perspective
Overconfidence can blind us to flaws.
