tecnh
Primary Truths
What are primary truths?
According to Mr.
Stewart, "They are such and such only, as can neither be
proved nor
refuted by other propositions of greater perspicuity. They are
self-evident; not
borrowing the
powers of reasoning to shed light upon themselves."
We are naturally
inclined to consider the
reality of our personal existence. That we exist is the great basis
upon which we build everything. It is the foundation of all knowledge.
Without self-existence nothing could result in the progress of the
understanding.
If any man questions the
fact of his own
existence, that very process by which he doubts, proves to a
demonstration, that an existing, doubting power must have been
precedent, must have had a creation. The first internal thought is
immediately followed with an undoubting conviction of personal
self-existence.*
It is a primary truth in
nature, and
requires no
further explanation.