Locke Argues That in the Search for Truth We Must

question 3

Multiple Choice

Locke argues that in the search for truth we must beware the pitfalls of "enthusiasm" (passion or emotion) and always follow the lead of reason. Reason, he says, is a God-given faculty that demands we not entertain any proposition with greater assurance than is warranted by the evidence. We should not believe anything that reason does not support (although some mysteries such as immortality are beyond our understanding) . Even revelation (immediate communication of some sort from God) must be corroborated by reason; otherwise, we cannot be sure that a revelation is genuine. A prime disrupter of the workings of reason is enthusiasm, which arises "from the conceits of a warmed or over-weening brain." Through enthusiasm we can fall prey to wishful thinking, overwrought imagination (especially the religious kind) , and groundless feelings of certainty. "Reason," says Locke, "must be our last judge and guide in every thing."
-The question for people who believe they have received a revelation from God is:

• A) How strong is their faith in the truth of the revelation?
• B) How strong is their belief in God?
• C) How do they know that it is really a revelation from God?
• D) How psychologically certain are they that the revelation is true?

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Definitions:

Sum in Controversy

The amount of money at stake in a lawsuit, important for determining the jurisdiction and the applicability of certain court rules.

Trial or Appeal

Legal proceedings where a case is reviewed in court; a trial is the original hearing of a case, while an appeal is a request for a higher court to review a decision.

Mandatory Arbitration

A process stipulated by a contract where parties must resolve their disputes through arbitration rather than through the court system.

Employment Contract

A formal agreement between an employer and employee outlining the terms and conditions of employment.