The true knowledge or science which exists nowhere but in the mind itself, has no other entity at all besides intelligibility; and therefore whatsoever is clearly intelligible, is absolutely true.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Real science exists only as intelligible concepts in the mind; if something is clearly understood, it is true.
- In plain terms
- Science exists as clear ideas; what is intelligible is true.
- What can you take from it?
- Clarity of thought is a sign of truth.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is clarity enough to prove truth?
- Where does science live?
Another view
Intelligibility can be subjective and not always align with reality.
More from Ralph Cudworth
Knowledge is not a passion from without the mind, but an active exertion of the inward strength, vigour and power of the mind, displaying itself from within.
Permalink to quote #2 Truth is the most unbending and uncompliable, the most necessary, firm, immutable, and adamantine thing in the world.
Permalink to quote #3 If intellection and knowledge were mere passion from without, or the bare reception of extraneous and adventitious forms, then no reason could be given at all …
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
O that our souls could scale a height like this, A mighty mountain swept o'er by the bleak Keen winds of heaven; and, standing on that peak Above the blinding …
Robinson JeffersRobinson Jeffers quote #1 No matter how many instances of white swans we may have observed, this does not justify the conclusion that all swans are white.
Karl PopperKarl Popper quote #16 Truth and clarity are complementary.
Niels BohrNiels Bohr quote #16