OCR A-Level Philosophy Practice Exam 2025 - Free A-Level Philosophy Practice Questions and Study Guide

Question: 1 / 400

According to Hume, what tends to happen regarding people's perceptions of religious experiences?

They are often truthful and accurate

They tend to exaggerate and believe in fantastical experiences

Hume's perspective on religious experiences is indeed characterized by skepticism regarding their reliability and truthfulness. He argues that such experiences often lead individuals to exaggerate and embrace fantastical interpretations. Hume suggests that human perceptions are inherently prone to error and imagination, and he highlights the tendency for people to interpret ambiguous or extraordinary experiences in ways that align with their beliefs or cultural contexts.

This aligns with his broader philosophical views about human nature and the limitations of empirical evidence when it comes to understanding the divine or the supernatural. By identifying this exaggeration and susceptibility to fantastical beliefs, Hume raises questions about the validity of religious experiences as justifications for belief in the divine or supernatural occurrences. Thus, the understanding that individuals may inflate their experiences aligns with Hume's critical approach to the subject matter.

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They are influenced by scientific explanations

They are always valid and should be taken seriously

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