Single Idea 4160

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / D. Scepticism / 6. Scepticism Critique]

Full Idea

One can mistrust one's own senses, but not one's own beliefs.

Gist of Idea

One can mistrust one's own senses, but not one's own beliefs

Source

Ludwig Wittgenstein (Philosophical Investigations [1952], II.x)

Book Reference

Wittgenstein,Ludwig: 'Philosophical Investigations', ed/tr. Anscombe,E. [Blackwell 1972], p.190


A Reaction

This seems right, because we don't choose our beliefs. We don't even choose whether to believe a sensation - we just focus harder until belief does or doesn't occur.