Single Idea 2196

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / D. Nature of Philosophy / 7. Despair over Philosophy]

Full Idea

The observation of human blindness and weakness is the result of all philosophy.

Gist of Idea

The observation of human blindness and weakness is the result of all philosophy

Source

David Hume (Enquiry Conc Human Understanding [1748], IV.I.26)

Book Reference

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


A Reaction

No wonder some people dislike philosophy. There is no question that the human race is often ludicrously over-confident about its attempts to understand, and a careful examination of the situation tends to undermine such confidence.