Single Idea 5007

[catalogued under 18. Thought / A. Modes of Thought / 6. Judgement / b. Error]

Full Idea

What usually misleads us is that we very frequently form a judgement although we do not have an accurate perception of what we judge.

Gist of Idea

Most errors of judgement result from an inaccurate perception of the facts

Source

René Descartes (Principles of Philosophy [1646], I.33)

Book Reference

Descartes,René: 'Philosophical Essays and Correspondence', ed/tr. Ariew,Roger [Hackett 2000], p.239


A Reaction

This seems to me a generally accurate observation, particularly in the making of moral judgements (which was probably not what Descartes was considering). The implication is that judgements are to a large extent forced by our perceptions.