Single Idea 23633

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / E. Direct Knowledge / 1. Common Sense]

Full Idea

There are many truths so obvious to the human faculties, that it should be expected that men should universally agree in them. And this is actually found to be the case with regard to many truths, against which we find no dissent.

Gist of Idea

Many truths seem obvious, and point to universal agreement - which is what we find

Source

Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 1: Preliminary [1785], 2)

Book Reference

Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.156


A Reaction

He says that a few sceptical philosophers may disagree. This is a nice statement of his creed of common sense. I agree with him, and Aristotle observes the same fact.

Related Idea

Idea 95 If everyone believes it, it is true [Aristotle]