Being true Quote by Bas van Fraassen
“Philosophers often think all scientists must be scientific realists. If you ask a simple question like "Are electrons real?" the answer will be "Yes". But if your questions are less superficial, for example whether some well-known scientist was a good scientist. Then, they had insisted that only empirical criteria matter and that they actually did not believe in the reality of sub-atomic entities. Ask "If that turned out to be true, would you still say they were good scientists?" The answer would reveal something about how they themselves understood what it is to be a scientist.”
About This Quote
Source Article: Scientific Realism and Constructive Empiricism, 1980
Scientists may claim realism about entities like electrons, yet their deeper judgments reveal reliance on empirical criteria, exposing hidden philosophical commitments.
In simple terms: Scientists’ claims about reality hide deeper beliefs.
Key Takeaway
Examine the assumptions behind scientific judgments.
Themes
philosophy of science
realism
empiricism
scientific practice
Mood
thought‑provoking
skeptical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- research labs
- academic discussions
- policy making
- public science communication
Key Concepts
ontology
methodology
interpretation
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think scientific knowledge is provisional?
- What counts as “real” in science?
A Different Perspective
May generalize from specific cases to all science.
