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It is scientific only to say what is more likely and what…

“It is scientific only to say what is more likely and what less likely, and not to be proving all the time the possible and impossible.” quote by Richard P. Feynman
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“It is scientific only to say what is more likely and what less likely, and not to be proving all the time the possible and impossible.”

Richard P. Feynman

About This Quote

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

Scientific statements should express likelihood, not attempt to prove every possibility, distinguishing probable from impossible.

In simple terms: Science should state probabilities, not prove all.

Key Takeaway

Focus on likelihood, not exhaustive proof.

Themes

science probability methodology

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

explanatory educational

When to use this quote

  • research design
  • risk assessment
  • policy making
  • education

Key Concepts

epistemology critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance probability with caution?
  • When is proving the impossible valuable?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on probability can ignore rare but critical events.

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