Argument Quote by Nicole Oresme
“But having considered everything which has been said, one could by this believe that the earth and not the heavens is so moved, and there is no evidence to the contrary. Nevertheless, this seems prima facie as much, or more, against natural reason as are all or several articles of our faith. Thus, that which I have said by way of diversion (esbatement) in this manner can be valuable to refute and check those who would impugn our faith by argument.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De proportionibus proportionum, 1350
The argument suggests that Earth’s motion is as plausible as any other claim, challenging natural reason and faith alike.
In simple terms: Earth’s motion is as credible as any claim.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about natural reason.
Themes
philosophy
science
faith
reason
skepticism
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- theological discussion
- science education
- philosophical inquiry
Key Concepts
Aristotelian physics
Copernican heliocentrism
medieval scholasticism
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this argument affect modern views on faith and science?
- Can we reconcile natural reason with religious belief?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook empirical evidence that later disproved geocentric models.
![“It is probable that two proposed unknown rations are incommensurable because if many unknown rations are proposed it is most probable that any [one] would be incommensurable to any [other].” quote by Nicole Oresme](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7f0/nicole-oresme-108488_ifs_it-is-probable-that-two-proposed-unknown_1084161.jpg)
