If, occasionally, historical evidence does not square with…
“If, occasionally, historical evidence does not square with formulated laws, it should be remembered that a law is but a deduction from experience and experiment, and therefore laws must conform with historical facts, not facts with laws.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Laws are derived from observations, so they must adapt to new evidence rather than forcing facts to fit them.
In simple terms: Science should follow facts, not the reverse.
Key Takeaway
Update theories when evidence contradicts them.
Themes
science
history
methodology
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
reflective
When to use this quote
- research
- policy making
- education
- historical analysis
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance existing frameworks with disruptive data?
- When should we revise a well‑established theory?
A Different Perspective
Laws may still be useful even if imperfect.