Metaphysics is the finding of bad reasons for what we believe upon instinct; but to find these reasons is no less an instinct.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Metaphysics rationalizes instinctual beliefs, yet rationalization itself is instinctual.
- In plain terms
- We invent reasons for beliefs we already hold, but making reasons is also instinct.
- What can you take from it?
- Rationalizing beliefs is a natural instinct, not always a logical process.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do you believe what you believe?
- Is your reasoning truly rational?
Another view
It undermines the value of logical reasoning by equating it with instinct.
More from F. H. Bradley
The world is the best of all possible worlds, and everything in it is a necessary evil.
Permalink to quote #1 Eclecticism. Every truth is so true that any truth must be false.
Permalink to quote #3 The one self-knowledge worth having is to know one's own mind.
Permalink to quote #4
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