is something they know from their own experience. It is therefore clear that not following this method does not entail a lack of knowledge. Many of them have acknowledged this, as we have explained elsewhere.

Some of them say that the method of rational inquiry they follow has increased their insight and knowledge. Ibn Hazm and others say this. He followed the argument based on accidents.

Many people say that this method has brought them nothing but doubt and uncertainty. These people have a sounder innate disposition, for such methods are unsound.

Others say: “I gained nothing from it—neither knowledge nor doubt.” This is because it yielded them no knowledge, nor did they accept it; thus neither its soundness nor its unsoundness became clear to them. Some people do not understand what they mean by it. Most of their followers do not understand it either; rather, they follow them out of unquestioning acceptance and a favorable opinion of them.

Section

It should also be understood that we do not say that a thing can be known only by affirming all its necessary consequences. No rational person says this. Indeed, most things may be known even though many