Single Idea 23641

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / B. Internal Justification / 3. Evidentialism / a. Evidence]

Full Idea

To believe without evidence is a weakness which every man is concerned to avoid, and which every man wishes to avoid.

Gist of Idea

People dislike believing without evidence, and try to avoid it

Source

Thomas Reid (Essays on Intellectual Powers 2: Senses [1785], 20)

Book Reference

Reid,Thomas: 'Inquiry and Essays', ed/tr. Beanblossom /K.Lehrer [Hackett 1983], p.199


A Reaction

It seems to be very common, though, for people to believe things on incredibly flimsy evidence, if they find the belief appealing. This is close to Clifford's Principle, but not quite as dogmatic.

Related Idea

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