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Single Idea 14773

[filed under theme 12. Knowledge Sources / E. Direct Knowledge / 3. Inspiration ]

Full Idea

A truth which rests on the authority of inspiration only is of a somewhat incomprehensible nature; and we can never be sure that we rightly comprehend it.

Gist of Idea

A truth is hard for us to understand if it rests on nothing but inspiration

Source

Charles Sanders Peirce (Scientific Attitude and Fallibilism [1899], II)

Book Ref

Peirce,Charles Sanders: 'Philosophical Writings of Peirce', ed/tr. Buchler,Justus [Dover 1940], p.57

The 3 ideas with the same theme [knowledge without evidence or reason]:

14772 If we decide an idea is inspired, we still can't be sure we have got the idea right [Peirce]
14771 Only reason can establish whether some deliverance of revelation really is inspired [Peirce]
14773 A truth is hard for us to understand if it rests on nothing but inspiration [Peirce]