Cognition Quote by William of Ockham
“Intuitive cognition of a thing is cognition that enables us to know whether the thing exists or does not exist, in such a way that, if the thing exists, then the intellect immediately judges that it exists and evidently knows that it exists, unless the judgment happens to be impeded through the imperfection of this cognition.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Summulae Logicales, 1323
The mind can instantly recognize the existence of something unless its perception is flawed.
In simple terms: Immediate recognition of existence unless cognition is imperfect.
Key Takeaway
Trust clear, direct perception.
Themes
knowledge
perception
logic
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
epistemic
When to use this quote
- scientific observation
- everyday decision making
- critical analysis
- philosophical debate
Key Concepts
epistemology
ontological certainty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we verify that our perception is not impaired?
- When should we doubt immediate judgments?
A Different Perspective
Imperfect cognition can lead to false certainty.
![“Hence, [emptiness] is also not an object of [something like the] cognition of Buddhas, because they do not have [such a thing as] cognition.” quote by Karl Brunnholzl](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c69/karl-brunnholzl-4600_emptiness_hence-emptiness-is-also-not-an-object-of_55069.jpg)
![“[Mood allocates] investments of time, effort, resources, and risk taking to maximize Darwinian fitness in situations of varying propitiousness. High and low moods adjust cognition and behavior to cope with propitious and unpropitious situations.” quote by Randolph M. Nesse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6d0/randolph-m-nesse-24802_behavior_mood-allocates-investments-of-time-effor_87538.jpg)
