“There is no method of reasoning more common, and yet none more blameable, than in philosophical debates to endeavour to refute any hypothesis by a pretext of its dangerous consequences to religion and morality. When any opinion leads us into absurdities, 'tis certainly false; but 'tis not certain an opinion is false, because 'tis of dangerous consequence.”

Part 3, Section 2
A Treatise of Human Nature (1739-40), Book 2: Of the passions

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David Hume 138
Scottish philosopher, economist, and historian 1711–1776

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