Single Idea 2110

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / C. Rationalism / 1. Rationalism]

Full Idea

When we expect it to be day tomorrow, we all behave as empiricists, because until now it has always happened thus. The astronomer alone knows this by reason.

Gist of Idea

We all expect the sun to rise tomorrow by experience, but astronomers expect it by reason

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Monadology [1716], §28)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Philosophical Writings', ed/tr. Parkinson,G.H.R. [Dent 1973], p.183