For strictly scientific or technological purposes all this…
“For strictly scientific or technological purposes all this is irrelevant. On a pragmatic view, as on a religious view, theory and concepts are held in faith. On the pragmatic view the only thing that matters is that the theory is efficacious, that it 'works' and that the necessary preliminaries and side issues do not cost too much in time and effort. Beyond that, theory and concepts go to constitute a language in which the scientistic matters at issue can be formulated and discussed.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Theory is useful only when it works efficiently; otherwise it’s just language to discuss science.
In simple terms: Theory works or it’s just language.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize efficacy over abstract concepts.
Themes
pragmatic
science
efficiency
language
theory
Mood
analytical
pragmatic
Type
Concepts:1
Cost:1
Effort:1
Irrelevant:0
Issues:0
Language:1
Matter:0
Only thing that matters:1
Pragmatic:1
Purpose:0
Religious:0
Religious views:0
Science:1
Sides:0
Technological:0
Theory:1
Things that matter:0
Too much:0
Views:0
Time And Effort:1
Faith Pragmatic:0
Pragmatic View:0
Concepts Constitute:0
Concepts Held:0
When to use this quote
- research planning
- budgeting
- project management
- policy making
- academic discourse
Key Concepts
cost
effort
utility
faith
religion
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance practicality and conceptual understanding?
- When is cost justified for theoretical insight?
A Different Perspective
Abstract concepts may still guide innovation despite cost concerns.