Cudworth, Ralph (1617-1688)

A Treatise Concerning Eternal and Immutable Morality

London

Printed for James and John Knapton

1731

"Lastly, from hence is that strange Parturiency that is often observed in the Mind, when it is sollicitously set upon the Investigation of some Truth, whereby it doth endeavour, by ruminating and revolving within it self as it were to conceive it within itself, to bring it forth out of its own Womb; by which it is evident, that the Mind is Naturally Conscious of its own Active Fecundity, and also that it hath a Criterion within it self, which will enable it to know when it hath sound that which it sought."

From hence likewise it is, as the same Aristotle hath observed, That those Knowledges which are more abstract and remote from Matter, are more accurate, intelligible and demonstrable, than those which are Conversant about Concrete and Material things, as Arithmetick than Harmonicks, which are Numbers Concrete with Sounds; and so likewise Geometry than Astronomy, or the Mixed Mathematicks; whereas if all Knowledge did arise from Corporeal things by way of Sense and Passion, it must needs be contrary-wise true, that the more Concrete and Sensible things were, the more Knowable they would be. Moreover, from hence it is also, as Experience tells us, that Scientifical Knowledge is best acquired by the Soul's Abstraction from the Outward Objects of Sense, and Retiring into it self, that so it may the better attend to its own Inward Notions and Ideas. And therefore it is many times observed, that Over-much Reading and Hearing of other Men's Discourses, though learned and elaborate, doth not only distract the Mind, but also debilitates the Intellectual Powers, and makes the Mind Passive and Sluggish, by calling it too much outwards. For which Cause that wise Philosopher Socrates altogether shunned that Dictating and Dogmatical Way of Teaching used by the Sophisters of that Age, and chose rather an Aporetical and Obstetricious Method; because Knowledge was not to be poured into the Soul like Liquor, but rather to be invited and gently drawn forth from it; nor the Mind so much to be filled therewith from without, like a Vessel, as to be kindled and awakened. Lastly, from hence is that strange Parturiency that is often observed in the Mind, when it is sollicitously set upon the Investigation of some Truth, whereby it doth endeavour, by ruminating and revolving within it self as it were to conceive it within itself, to bring it forth out of its own Womb; by which it is evident, that the Mind is Naturally Conscious of its own Active Fecundity, and also that it hath a Criterion within it self, which will enable it to know when it hath sound that which it sought.
(IV.i.6, pp. 136-8)

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See Ralph Cudworth, A Treatise Concerning Eternal and Immutable Morality (London: James and John Knapton, 1731). <Link to ECCO><Link to Google Books>

01/22/2012