It is the mark of an educated man to look for precision in each class of things just so far as the nature of the subject admits; it is evidently equally foolish to accept probable reasoning from a mathematician and to demand from a rhetorician scientific proofs.

Summary

This quote emphasizes the importance of discerning the appropriate standards of precision and reasoning in different fields of study. It suggests that an educated person understands the limitations of each subject and seeks precision to the extent possible within that particular field. Additionally, it highlights the folly of expecting scientific certainty from non-scientific disciplines, such as accepting probabilistic explanations from mathematicians or demanding scientific proofs from those specializing in rhetoric. The quote suggests that intellectual maturity involves recognizing and utilizing the appropriate methods and standards of reasoning within each discipline.

Topics