Single Idea 5702

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / D. Empiricism / 4. Pro-Empiricism]

Full Idea

What can be a surer guide to the distinction of true from false than our own senses?

Gist of Idea

The senses are much the best way to distinguish true from false

Source

Lucretius (On the Nature of the Universe [c.60 BCE], I.700)

Book Reference

Lucretius: 'On the Nature of the Universe', ed/tr. Latham,Ronald [Penguin 1951], p.47


A Reaction

This doesn't say they are the only guide, which leaves room for guides such as what is consistent or self-evident or inferred. There is enough here, though, to show that the Epicureans were empiricists in a fairly modern way.