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Single Idea 6864

[from 'Appearance and Reality' by F.H. Bradley, in 1. Philosophy / E. Nature of Metaphysics / 7. Against Metaphysics ]

Full Idea

Metaphysics is the finding of bad reasons for what we believe upon instinct; but to find these reasons is no less an instinct.

Gist of Idea

Metaphysics is finding bad reasons for instinctive beliefs

Source

F.H. Bradley (Appearance and Reality [1893]), quoted by Robin Le Poidevin - Interview with Baggini and Stangroom p.165

Book Reference

Baggini,J/Stangroom,J: 'New British Philosophy' [Routledge 2002], p.165


A Reaction

A famous and very nice remark. The idea of believing things on instinct sounds more like David Hume than an idealist. Personally I am not so pessimistic about the enterprise. I think metaphysics is capable of changing what we believe.