Philosophical Works · Chapter
CCVII explained
The author submits all opinions to the authority of the church and the judgment of the wise, asserting that nothing should be believed unless compelled by reason and evidence.
What happens
The author submits all opinions to the authority of the church and the judgment of the wise, asserting that nothing should be believed unless compelled by reason and evidence.
Themes in this chapter
Reason and Method
The author emphasizes that belief should be constrained by the force and evidence of reason.
Critique of Traditional Philosophy
The submission to church authority while insisting on rational evidence suggests a critique of blind acceptance.
Characters to notice
- Narrator
The speaker who submits his opinions to the church and reason.
Key passages
“I affirm nothing, but submit all these my opinions to the authority of the church and the judgment of the more sage; and I desire no one to believe anything I may have said, unless he is constrained to admit it by the force and evidence of reason.”
I assert nothing; I place all my views under the church's authority and the wise, and I ask that no one accept my words unless reason and evidence compel them.
The author balances religious submission with a call for rational scrutiny.