Knowledge Quote by Alan F. Chalmers
““The point is that if the knowledge that provides the categories we use to describe our observations is defective, the observation statements that presuppose those categories are similarly defective.””
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Theory of Knowledge, 1996
If our conceptual categories are flawed, our observations built on them are also flawed.
In simple terms: Bad categories lead to bad observations.
Question underlying assumptions.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research
- data analysis
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What categories shape your view?
- How can you test their validity?
Even correct data can be misinterpreted.