Or, whether you remember to have seen them formerly as
they are in themselves; or, if you have heard or read of any one
that did. {205}
. I see, Philonous, you are disposed to raillery; but
that will never convince me.
. My aim is only to learn from you the way to come at
the knowledge of . Whatever we perceive is
perceived immediately or mediately: by sense, or by reason and
reflexion. But, as you have excluded sense, pray shew me what
reason you have to believe their existence; or what you
can possibly make use of to prove it, either to mine or your own
understanding.
. To deal ingenuously, Philonous, now I consider the
point, I do not find I can give you any good reason for it. But,
thus much seems pretty plain, that it is at least possible such
things may really exist. And, as long as there is no absurdity in
supposing them, I am resolved to believe as I did, till you bring
good reasons to the contrary.
. What! Is it come to this, that you only
the existence of material objects, and that your belief is
founded barely on the possibility of its being true? Then you
will have me bring reasons against it: though another would think
it reasonable the proof should lie on him who holds the
affirmative.
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