Single Idea 2216

[catalogued under 10. Modality / B. Possibility / 6. Probability]

Full Idea

Where different effects have been found to follow from causes, which are to appearance exactly similar, all these various effects must occur to the mind in the same proportion in transferring the past to the future.

Gist of Idea

We transfer the frequency of past observations to our future predictions

Source

David Hume (Enquiry Conc Human Understanding [1748], VI.47)

Book Reference

Hume,David: 'Enquiries Conc. Human Understanding, Morals', ed/tr. Selby-Bigge/Nidditch [OUP 1975], p.58