Single Idea 13257

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / D. Empiricism / 5. Empiricism Critique]

Full Idea

Owing to the feebleness of the sense, we are not able to determine the truth.

Gist of Idea

The senses are too feeble to determine the truth

Source

Anaxagoras (fragments/reports [c.460 BCE], B21), quoted by Patricia Curd - Anaxagoras 5.1

Book Reference

'Stanford Online Encyclopaedia of Philosophy', ed/tr. Stanford University [plato.stanford.edu], p.18


A Reaction

Anaxagoras offers a corresponding elevation of the power of mind (Idea 13256), so I now realise that he is, along with Pythagoras and Parmenides, one of the fathers of rationalism in philosophy. They probably overrate reason.

Related Idea

Idea 13256 Nous is unlimited, self-ruling and pure; it is the finest thing, with great discernment and strength [Anaxagoras]