I do not agree with Hume’s argument that without perception all theological and metaphysical speculations are worthless. First, the idea that knowledge can only be acquired through perception is philosophically limited because it is not justifiable. Hume implies that the mind cannot think beyond the inputs of sensory faculties. However, sensory input is limiting because even without perception, the mind can imagine, and thus understand the external world a priori. Therefore, theological and metaphysical speculations are useful because they allow the mind to go beyond the limitations of perception and wander into the realm of possibilities. Additionally, Hume’s proposal is not practical in the real world. If humanity was limited to perceptual experiences, it could be stuck in the stone age. The ability to imagine (as opposed to experience) has facilitated innovation, which has propelled civilization to its current state.
Hume thinks that all knowledge must be traced back to perceptions; otherwise, assertions of knowledge are meaningless. From this, he concludes that all theological and metaphysical speculations are worthless. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?
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Academic.Tips. (2022) 'Hume thinks that all knowledge must be traced back to perceptions; otherwise, assertions of knowledge are meaningless. From this, he concludes that all theological and metaphysical speculations are worthless. Do you agree with him? Why or why not'. 14 February.
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Academic.Tips. (2022, February 14). Hume thinks that all knowledge must be traced back to perceptions; otherwise, assertions of knowledge are meaningless. From this, he concludes that all theological and metaphysical speculations are worthless. Do you agree with him? Why or why not? https://academic.tips/question/hume-thinks-that-all-knowledge-must-be-traced-back-to-perceptions-otherwise-assertions-of-knowledge-are-meaningless-from-this-he-concludes-that-all-theological-and-metaphysical-speculations-are-wo-2/
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Academic.Tips. 2022. "Hume thinks that all knowledge must be traced back to perceptions; otherwise, assertions of knowledge are meaningless. From this, he concludes that all theological and metaphysical speculations are worthless. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?" February 14, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/hume-thinks-that-all-knowledge-must-be-traced-back-to-perceptions-otherwise-assertions-of-knowledge-are-meaningless-from-this-he-concludes-that-all-theological-and-metaphysical-speculations-are-wo-2/.
1. Academic.Tips. "Hume thinks that all knowledge must be traced back to perceptions; otherwise, assertions of knowledge are meaningless. From this, he concludes that all theological and metaphysical speculations are worthless. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?" February 14, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/hume-thinks-that-all-knowledge-must-be-traced-back-to-perceptions-otherwise-assertions-of-knowledge-are-meaningless-from-this-he-concludes-that-all-theological-and-metaphysical-speculations-are-wo-2/.
Bibliography
Academic.Tips. "Hume thinks that all knowledge must be traced back to perceptions; otherwise, assertions of knowledge are meaningless. From this, he concludes that all theological and metaphysical speculations are worthless. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?" February 14, 2022. https://academic.tips/question/hume-thinks-that-all-knowledge-must-be-traced-back-to-perceptions-otherwise-assertions-of-knowledge-are-meaningless-from-this-he-concludes-that-all-theological-and-metaphysical-speculations-are-wo-2/.
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"Hume thinks that all knowledge must be traced back to perceptions; otherwise, assertions of knowledge are meaningless. From this, he concludes that all theological and metaphysical speculations are worthless. Do you agree with him? Why or why not?" Academic.Tips, 14 Feb. 2022, academic.tips/question/hume-thinks-that-all-knowledge-must-be-traced-back-to-perceptions-otherwise-assertions-of-knowledge-are-meaningless-from-this-he-concludes-that-all-theological-and-metaphysical-speculations-are-wo-2/.