To invent without scruple a new principle to every new…
“To invent without scruple a new principle to every new phenomenon, instead of adapting it to the old; to overload our hypothesis with a variety of this kind, are certain proofs that none of these principles is the just one, and that we only desire, by a number of falsehoods, to cover our ignorance of the truth.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Creating new principles without grounding them in existing knowledge leads to falsehoods that mask ignorance rather than reveal truth.
In simple terms: Unfounded principles hide ignorance.
Key Takeaway
Base new ideas on solid evidence.
Themes
knowledge
philosophy
methodology
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research design
- theoretical development
- education curriculum
Key Concepts
epistemology
scientific method
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we test new principles?
- What role does skepticism play in discovery?
A Different Perspective
New principles must be testable and coherent.