Thomas Reid

Thomas Reid was an 18th-century philosopher who challenged empiricism—the idea that all knowledge comes from sensory experience. He argued for "common sense," asserting that certain beliefs, like the existence of the self and the reliability of our senses, are foundational to knowledge. Reid emphasized the importance of personal identity, suggesting that our continuous experience and memory connect us over time. He also valued testimony as a legitimate source of knowledge, acknowledging that we often rely on others to share information. Overall, Reid's work highlights a balance between rational thought and experiential understanding in our pursuit of knowledge.