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Locke Argues That in the Search for Truth We Must

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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."
-According to Locke, we should always proportion our belief according to the evidence.


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Global North

A term referring to the wealthier, industrialized countries primarily located in the Northern Hemisphere, contrasted with the less developed Global South.

Rural Areas

Regions of land that are not densely populated and are often characterized by farming or natural settings.

Agriculture

The practice of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and raising livestock for the purpose of food production or other agricultural products.

Urban Areas

Densely populated regions that are characterized by significant built environment and infrastructure, including cities and towns.

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