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Our assent to the hypothesis implies that it is held to be…

“Our assent to the hypothesis implies that it is held to be true of all particular instances. That these cases belong to past or to future times, that they have or have not already occurred, makes no difference in the applicability of the rule to them. Because the rule prevails, it includes all…” quote by William Whewell
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“Our assent to the hypothesis implies that it is held to be true of all particular instances. That these cases belong to past or to future times, that they have or have not already occurred, makes no difference in the applicability of the rule to them. Because the rule prevails, it includes all cases.”

William Whewell

About This Quote

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

If a rule applies to all instances, it holds true regardless of when those instances occur, past or future.

In simple terms: Rules apply universally across time.

Key Takeaway

Apply universal principles consistently.

Themes

logic universality rule application

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • legal reasoning
  • scientific methodology
  • education
  • policy making

Key Concepts

philosophy of science induction

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you test a rule’s universality?
  • When might context alter a rule’s relevance?
A Different Perspective

Exceptions may arise in complex systems.

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