2 ideas
3144 | Everything is what it is, and not another thing [Butler] |
Full Idea: Everything is what it is, and not another thing. | |
From: Joseph Butler (works [1732]), quoted by Georges Rey - Contemporary Philosophy of Mind 2.4 |
6587 | It is always wrong to believe things on insufficient evidence [Clifford] |
Full Idea: It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence. | |
From: William K. Clifford (works [1870]), quoted by Robert Fogelin - Walking the Tightrope of Reason Ch.4 | |
A reaction: This is a famous remark, but is in danger of being tautological unless one gives some account of what 'insufficient' means. If Clifford means the evidence must be conclusive, this is nonsense. 'Never believe if there is no evidence' is better. |