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Single Idea 2197

[from 'Enquiry Conc Human Understanding' by David Hume, in 6. Mathematics / C. Sources of Mathematics / 4. Mathematical Empiricism / a. Mathematical empiricism ]

Full Idea

Abstract reasonings are employed, either to assist experience in the discovery of natural laws, or to determine their influence in particular instances, where it depends upon any precise degree of distance or quantity.

Gist of Idea

Reason assists experience in discovering laws, and in measuring their application

Source

David Hume (Enquiry Conc Human Understanding [1748], IV.I.27)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1975], p.31