Computers Quote by Alfred Tarski
“However the machine would permit us to test the hypothesis for any special value of n. We could carry out such tests for a sequence of consecutive values n=2,3,.. up to, say, n=100. If the result of at least one test were negative, the hypothesis would prove to be false; otherwise our confidence in the hypothesis would increase, and we should feel encouraged to attempt establishing the hypothesis, instead of trying to construct a counterexample.”
About This Quote
Source Paper: On the Methodology of Mathematical Hypotheses, 1935
Testing a hypothesis across many cases builds confidence unless a counterexample appears.
In simple terms: Repeated testing strengthens belief, but a single failure disproves.
Key Takeaway
Test widely, watch for counterexamples.
Themes
logic
methodology
confidence
Mood
analytical
cautious
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research design
- educational testing
- algorithm verification
Key Concepts
inductive reasoning
falsifiability
probabilistic confidence
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits your testing range?
- How do you handle inconclusive results?
A Different Perspective
Too many tests may be impractical.
