Conventional dogmas, even if endowed with the authority of…
“Conventional dogmas, even if endowed with the authority of an Aristotle - ancient or modern - must be tested vigorously. If they are found wanting, we need not bother with them. But if they are found to be substantially correct, we may not overlook them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Ideas, even revered ones, must be rigorously examined; they are kept only if they prove true.
In simple terms: Test all ideas, even old ones.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions before acceptance.
Themes
tradition
critical thinking
authority
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- personal belief systems
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What belief have you accepted without testing?
- When is tradition worth preserving?
A Different Perspective
Some traditions hold cultural value beyond logical proof.