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Hume utilizes intelligence as his method of persuasion; he speaks as if every learned individual will ultimately accept his ideas as correct and attempt to persuade the rest of the population to shy away from religion. With regard to reason, Hume does not agree with Enlightenment thinkers, although he was initially influenced by the writings of John Locke, and disagrees that a relationship between cause and effect can be inferred through the use of reason. The ideas espoused by Hume were extremely controversial at the time of publication, although his proposed ideas are still looked upon in an unfavorable light. Many religious individuals justify their beliefs with arguments opposed by Hume throughout his writings. His comments regarding religion fail to be seen favorably by a public that believes fervently in their religion, yet has no way to prove their faith.
They are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth: if they are wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error. . . . Those who desire to suppress it, of course deny its truth; but they are not infallible. They have no authority to decide the question of all mankind, and exclude every other person from the means of judging. (18)
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