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Single Idea 2294

[from 'Meditations' by René Descartes, in 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 6. Scepticism Critique ]

Full Idea

Perceptions come upon me without my consent, to the extent that, wish as I may, I could not sense any object unless it was present to a sense organ, nor could I fail to sense it when it was present.

Gist of Idea

I can only sense an object if it is present, and can't fail to sense it when it is

Source

René Descartes (Meditations [1641], §6.75)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Discourse on Method/The Meditations', ed/tr. Sutcliffe,F.E. [Penguin 1968], p.153