Single Idea 20945

[catalogued under 11. Knowledge Aims / A. Knowledge / 4. Belief / d. Cause of beliefs]

Full Idea

Belief happens as little in terms of reasons as tasting and smelling.

Gist of Idea

Belief is no more rational than is tasting and smelling

Source

J.G. Hamann (works [1770], v2:74), quoted by Andrew Bowie - Introduction to German Philosophy

Book Reference

Bowie,Andrew: 'Introduction to German Philosophy' [Polity 2003], p.46


A Reaction

That is one idea definitively expressed! I take it as only a partial truth. Beliefs happen as a result of observation and experience. But someone can draw our attention to something (and we can hunt it out ourselves), which is giving a reason for belief.