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When a hypothesis enters a scientist's mind, he checks it…

“When a hypothesis enters a scientist's mind, he checks it by calculation and experiment, that is, by the mimicry and the pantomime of truth. It's plausibility infects others, and the hypothesis is accepted as the true explanation for the given phenomenon, until someone finds its faults.” quote by Vladimir Nabokov
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““When a hypothesis enters a scientist's mind, he checks it by calculation and experiment, that is, by the mimicry and the pantomime of truth. It's plausibility infects others, and the hypothesis is accepted as the true explanation for the given phenomenon, until someone finds its faults.””

Vladimir Nabokov

About This Quote

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

Hypotheses spread through persuasive presentation, becoming accepted until disproved by evidence.

In simple terms: Ideas gain acceptance via convincing storytelling.

Key Takeaway

Critically evaluate claims before accepting them.

Themes

science philosophy of science truth

Mood

skeptical inquisitive

Type

analytical educational

When to use this quote

  • research evaluation
  • academic discourse
  • policy making

Key Concepts

epistemology critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • What evidence supports this claim?
  • How do you test a popular hypothesis?
A Different Perspective

Persuasive narratives can mask flaws.

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