Mary Shepherd Quotes
Lady Mary Shepherd was a Scottish philosopher and one of the most acute British metaphysicians of the early nineteenth century. The daughter of an Earl, she received an extensive private education in mathematics, science, and philosophy, and after her marriage and move to London she carried on serious philosophical exchange with figures including William Whewell and Charles Babbage. The quotes below are attributed to Mary Shepherd, organized by topic.
Mary Shepherd on Knowledge
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Attributed to Mary Shepherd:
“Reason gives knowledge of necessary connections that experience alone could not.”
Mary Shepherd on Mind
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Attributed to Mary Shepherd:
“The mind perceives a real, external world, not a procession of impressions.”
Mary Shepherd on Nature
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Attributed to Mary Shepherd:
“Every effect must have a cause that determines it.”
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Attributed to Mary Shepherd:
“What begins to be must owe its beginning to some prior power.”
Mary Shepherd on Truth
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Attributed to Mary Shepherd:
“Hume's argument denies the very intelligibility of nature.”