No experimental result can ever kill a theory: any theory…
“No experimental result can ever kill a theory: any theory can be saved from counterinstances either by some auxiliary hypothesis or by a suitable reinterpretation of its terms.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Theories survive by adapting with auxiliary ideas or reinterpretations when faced with contradictory data.
In simple terms: Ideas can be saved by tweaking them.
Key Takeaway
Adjust theories, not discard them.
Themes
science
philosophy
theory
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- research design
- academic debate
- policy making
Key Concepts
falsifiability
methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to abandon a theory?
- How to balance flexibility with rigor?
A Different Perspective
Over‑adjustment may mask real flaws.