more from Gottfried Leibniz

Single Idea 19392

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 6. Scepticism Critique]

Full Idea

I do not think it necessary to recommend to people universal doubt ...in fact, we are constantly seeking reasons for thoughts about which there is no doubt at all.

Gist of Idea

I don't recommend universal doubt; we constantly seek reasons for things which are indubitable

Source

Gottfried Leibniz (Precepts for Advancing Science and Arts [1680], p.34)

Book Reference

Leibniz,Gottfried: 'Leibniz Selections', ed/tr. Wiener,Philip P. [Scribners 1951], p.34


A Reaction

Such confidence is, of course, asking for trouble. I prefer Peirce's fallibilism - that robust realism is the most coherent view, and the only one worth pursuing and relying on, but you never know....