Single Idea 2227

[catalogued under 28. God / B. Proving God / 3. Proofs of Evidence / e. Miracles]

Full Idea

A miracle is a violation of the laws of nature, and as a firm and unalterable experience has established these laws, the proof against a miracle is as entire as any argument from experience can possible be imagined.

Gist of Idea

A miracle violates laws which have been established by continuous unchanging experience, so should be ignored

Source

David Hume (Enquiry Conc Human Understanding [1748], X.I.90)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1975], p.114