Editorial marks in red ink by J. Mill?

2 Jan 1809

Evid. Prosp. View

B II Theoretic

Ch. Foundation

Innate Propensity

(1)

Innate propensity to sin: therefore sinning is reasonable

Not to be inserted

The mode of reasoning employed by these partizans (if the application of the word reason or any of its conjugates may be on this occasion be be endured is truly curious.

When the supposed fact is of the number of those which are seen by every body to be happening every day, reasons for regarding the report as false are admitted by them without difficulty. But when the supposed fact is of the number of those which are never seen to happen—which no human being that lives will so much as pretend to have seen happen, then it is that all objections to the report are to stand back all reasons for regarding the report as false are to be turned aside from with abhorrence. Then it is that this all proving argument is to be brought forward—there exists in man an innate propensity to believe whatever he hears reported as true, therefore the supposed facts supposed on this occasions to have been reported, these facts, be they ever so improbable, are to be received as true.

In a word where a fact is probable it may be disbelieved but if to a certain degree it be improbable, this is the sort of fact that must be believed.

The innate propensity to believe all things, is not brought forward to obtain evidence for probable facts: no: facts must to a certain degree be improbable, to entitle themselves to the benefit of it.

So long as any observations can be found, that present a chance of causing the facts in dispute to be received into the class of probable ones, the arguments are made the most of—the probability of the facts is maintained—and every circumstance by which the probability is regarded as diminished, is either anxiously stripped off or candidly given up. No assistance is then sought from the innate propensity to believe all things. But when the improbability [is]determined to be too flagrant to be denied, then it is that the innate propensity is called in to do its office, and the [...?] are openly avowed, that where you have not the reporter to cross-examine the improbability of his report can afford us sufficient reason for disblieving it.