Rational Thoughts on the Powers of Human Understanding (German Logic)

is than a well-founded reputation among the discerning. However, since for me truth stands above all else, I can well leave them The "them" refers to the critics mentioned on the previous page who reject formal logic to their five senses; but I shall never, out of self-interested motives, abandon thorough knowledge Erkäntniß; the certain and grounded understanding of a subject. Whoever wishes to use the rules of distinct concepts and orderly proofs Beweise; rigorous demonstrations that establish the truth of a statement through logical steps without stumbling must, as I have often reminded, study mathematics alongside them. In this way, these rules will become clear and easy for him, and he will no longer be tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine A reference to the biblical verse Ephesians 4:14, suggesting that without logic, one is easily swayed by deceptive arguments, as we see happening to those who wish to use their five senses instead of the intellect Verstand; the faculty of the mind that seeks truth through reasoning rather than just sensory perception.

A woodcut vignette depicting a cluster of three fruits, likely pomegranates or apples, arranged on a bed of leaves.