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Coincidence is what you have left over when you apply a…

“Coincidence is what you have left over when you apply a bad theory.” quote by Percy Williams Bridgman
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“Coincidence is what you have left over when you apply a bad theory.”

Percy Williams Bridgman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

When a theory fails, the remaining unexplained facts are coincidences, highlighting the need for better explanations.

In simple terms: Bad theories leave unexplained coincidences.

Key Takeaway

Seek better theories to explain anomalies.

Themes

science critical thinking theory

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

scientific philosophical

When to use this quote

  • research
  • problem solving
  • policy making

Key Concepts

philosophy epistemology methodology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What assumptions are you overlooking?
  • How can you test your theory more rigorously?
A Different Perspective

New theories may be costly to develop.

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