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The scientific discovery appears first as the hypothesis…

“The scientific discovery appears first as the hypothesis of an analogy; and science tends to become independent of the hypothesis.” quote by William Kingdon Clifford
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“The scientific discovery appears first as the hypothesis of an analogy; and science tends to become independent of the hypothesis.”

William Kingdon Clifford

About This Quote

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

Scientific ideas start as analogical hypotheses, then science evolves beyond them.

In simple terms: Science begins with analogies, then outgrows them.

Key Takeaway

Value hypotheses but test beyond them.

Themes

philosophy of science methodology progress critical thinking

Mood

analytical thought‑provoking

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • research design
  • theory development
  • education
  • peer review

Key Concepts

analogy hypothesis testing

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you know when a hypothesis has outlived its usefulness?
  • What safeguards prevent analogy bias?
A Different Perspective

Overreliance on analogy can mislead.

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