The past history of our globe must be explained by what can be seen to be happening now. No powers are to be employed that are not natural to the globe, no action to be admitted except those of which we know the principle.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Hutton insists geological explanations must rely on observable natural forces.
- In plain terms
- Explain the past using processes we see today.
- What can you take from it?
- Use current natural laws to understand history.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Should we explain history only by current processes?
Another view
Some events like asteroid impacts were not obvious to Hutton.
More from James Hutton
If an organised body is not in the situation and circumstances best adapted to its sustenance and propagation, then, in conceiving an indefinite variety among …
Permalink to quote #1 We find no vestige of a beginning - no prospect of an end.
Permalink to quote #3 What more can we require? Nothing but time.
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