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The intensity of a conviction that a hypothesis is true…

“The intensity of a conviction that a hypothesis is true has no bearing on whether it is true or false. The importance of the strength of our conviction is only to provide a proportionately strong incentive to find out if the hypothesis will stand up to critical evaluation.” quote by Peter Medawar
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“The intensity of a conviction that a hypothesis is true has no bearing on whether it is true or false. The importance of the strength of our conviction is only to provide a proportionately strong incentive to find out if the hypothesis will stand up to critical evaluation.”

Peter Medawar

About This Quote

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

Conviction strength doesn’t determine truth; it only motivates rigorous testing of hypotheses.

In simple terms: Conviction isn’t proof.

Key Takeaway

Test ideas critically.

Themes

science conviction truth

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

quote philosophical

When to use this quote

  • research
  • education

Key Concepts

philosophy of science critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you separate belief from evidence?
  • What drives scientific rigor?
A Different Perspective

Strong belief can bias inquiry.

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