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Full Idea
If a belief resting directly on the foundation of the senses is not valid, there will be no standard to which we can refer any doubt on obscure questions for rational confirmation.
Gist of Idea
The only possible standard for settling doubts is the foundation of the senses
Source
Lucretius (On the Nature of the Universe [c.60 BCE], I.422)
Book Ref
Lucretius: 'On the Nature of the Universe', ed/tr. Latham,Ronald [Penguin 1951], p.40
A Reaction
A classic statement of empiricist foundationalism. The Epicureans don't appear to have any time for a priori truths at all. I wonder if they settled mathematical disputes by counting objects and drawing diagrams?