If anyone offers conjectures about the truth of things…
“If anyone offers conjectures about the truth of things from the mere possibility of hypotheses, I do not see by what stipulation anything certain can be determined in any science, since one or another set of hypotheses may always be devised which will appear to supply new difficulties.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Scientific certainty cannot be built on hypotheses alone, as new hypotheses always generate fresh problems.
In simple terms: Hypotheses create endless questions.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions critically.
Themes
science
philosophy
uncertainty
methodology
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- research design
- academic debate
- policy making
Key Concepts
epistemology
logic
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions underlie your current project?
- Can you identify hidden hypotheses?
A Different Perspective
Absolute certainty is unattainable in science.