Single Idea 3611

[catalogued under 12. Knowledge Sources / C. Rationalism / 1. Rationalism]

Full Idea

Neither our imagination nor our senses could ever assure us of anything, if our understanding did not intervene.

Gist of Idea

Understanding, rather than imagination or senses, gives knowledge

Source

René Descartes (A Discourse on Method [1637], §4.37)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Discourse on Method/The Meditations', ed/tr. Sutcliffe,F.E. [Penguin 1968], p.58