Single Idea 19517

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / A. Justification Problems / 1. Justification / b. Need for justification]

Full Idea

He that believes, without having any reason for believing, may be in love with his own fancies.

Gist of Idea

Believing without a reason may just be love of your own fantasies

Source

John Locke (Essay Conc Human Understanding (2nd Ed) [1694], 4.17.24)

Book Reference

Locke,John: 'Essay Concerning Human Understanding', ed/tr. Nidditch,P.H. [OUP 1979], p.687


A Reaction

This comes close to Clifford's Principle, though he demands 'evidence', rather than a reason. Of course, the supposed 'reason' may be just as much of a fantasy as the belief!

Related Idea

Idea 6587 It is always wrong to believe things on insufficient evidence [Clifford]