All scientific theories are provisional and may be…
“All scientific theories are provisional and may be changed, but ... on the whole, they are accepted from Washington to Moscow because of their practical success. Where religion has opposed the findings of science, it has almost always had to retreat.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Scientific theories are tentative but gain acceptance through practical success, often outlasting religious opposition.
In simple terms: Science works because it works, not because it’s perfect.
Key Takeaway
Trust practical results over doctrine.
Themes
science
pragmatism
religion
truth
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
observational
When to use this quote
- policy making
- education
- public debates
- technology development
Key Concepts
empiricism
theory change
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance respect for faith with evidence‑based policy?
- When should provisional theories be acted upon?
A Different Perspective
Religious belief can still influence scientific funding and public perception.