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Full Idea
It is certain that the senses deceive, but they also testify to their own errors.
Gist of Idea
The senses deceive, but also show their own errors
Source
Francis Bacon (Preface to Great Instauration (Renewal) [1620], p.32), quoted by Robert Pasnau - Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671 22.1
Book Ref
Pasnau,Robert: 'Metaphysical Themes 1274-1671' [OUP 2011], p.492
A Reaction
Nice. This is the empiricist view, rather than the rationalist line that reason sorts out the mess created by the senses. Most people know things if you just show them.
16724 | The senses deceive, but also show their own errors [Bacon] |
6602 | Philosophy is like a statue which is worshipped but never advances [Bacon] |
6603 | Nature is revealed when we put it under pressure rather than observe it [Bacon] |