This situation, where men rally to the defense of a…
“This situation, where men rally to the defense of a doctrine they are unable to define scientifically, much less demonstrate with scientific rigor, attempting to maintain its credit with the public by the suppression of criticism and the elimination of difficulties, is abnormal and undesirable in science.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Defending vague doctrines without evidence harms science.
In simple terms: Science suffers without evidence.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence, reject dogma.
Themes
science
integrity
skepticism
Mood
critical
serious
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research funding
- policy making
- education
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How to balance tradition and evidence?
- What mechanisms ensure scientific rigor?
A Different Perspective
Some doctrines may have cultural value.