"And indeed after all, we have no other reason to think any Proposition true in any of the Sciences, but only because we clearly perceive that it is so, and it shines out upon our Minds with and unquestionable and irresistable Light."

— Norris, John (1657-1712)


Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for S. Manship; and W. Hawes
Date
1701, 1704
Metaphor
"And indeed after all, we have no other reason to think any Proposition true in any of the Sciences, but only because we clearly perceive that it is so, and it shines out upon our Minds with and unquestionable and irresistable Light."
Metaphor in Context
15. We may the conclude, that whatever we clearly and distinctly perceive is true, and that as long as we have Light before us, and assent to nothing but what we have a clear view and perception of, 'tis impossible we should err, or judge amiss. And consequently that we may then judge securely, and safely acquiesce and repose our selves in such Judgments, as true and certain, and as it were the undeceiving answers of Truth it self, even that interior Truth, whose School and Oracle is within our Breast, whose Instructions are faithful and unerring, and who seldom fails to answer us by them if we consult her aright. And indeed after all, we have no other reason to think any Proposition true in any of the Sciences, but only because we clearly perceive that it is so, and it shines out upon our Minds with and unquestionable and irresistable Light, and if that Reason be not a good one, then we are not sure of our knowing any Thing, but must quit all pretences to Science, and after the [End Page 170] Efforts of Contemplation sink down into a sceptical uncertainty. But if this Supposition be too absurd to be granted (as all Philosophy and Religion too is concern'd to maintain) then we must say, that whatever we clearly perceive is undoubtedly so as we perceive it. Evidence then is the Mark and distinguishing Character of Truth, she dwells in Light, and we may know her Divinity among a thousand probable Appearances, by the Glory that surrounds her.
Categories
Provenance
Searching "interiority" in OED and ECCO.
Citation
At least 3 entries in ECCO and ESTC (1701, 1704, 1722). [Part 2 published in 1704].

An Essay Towards the Theory of the Ideal or Intelligible World. Design'd for Two Parts. The First Considering It Absolutely in It Self, and the Second in Relation to Human Understanding. Part 1. by John Norris, Rector of Bemerton, Near Sarum. (London: Printed for S. Manship, at the Ship in Cornhill, near the Royal-Exchange; and W. Hawes, at the Rose in Ludgate-Street near the West-End of St. Paul’s Church, 1701). <Link to ESTC><Link to ECCO><Link to Vol. I in Google Books><Link to Vol. II in Google Books>
Theme
Interiority; Augustine
Date of Entry
05/31/2006

The Mind is a Metaphor is authored by Brad Pasanek, Assistant Professor of English, University of Virginia.