Great saying by great authors Quote by Bas Van Fraassen
“To develop an empiricist account of science is to depictit as involving a search for truth only about the empiricalworld, about what is actual and observable… It must involve throughout a resolute rejection of the demand for an explanation of the regularities in the observable course of nature, by means oftruths concerning a reality beyond what is actual and observable, as a demand which plays no role in the scientific enterprise.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Scientific Realism and the Rationality of Science, 1980
Science should focus only on observable phenomena and avoid untestable explanations beyond empirical evidence.
In simple terms: Science limits itself to what can be seen and measured.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize empirical data over speculative theories.
Themes
empiricism
science philosophy
methodology
Mood
analytical
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- research design
- data analysis
- theory testing
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
observable reality
explanatory limits
scientific rigor
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance empirical focus with the need for broader theories?
- When is it appropriate to invoke non‑empirical explanations?
A Different Perspective
Neglecting unobservable factors may hinder theoretical breakthroughs.
