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Business Quote by Bertrand Russell

“Many orthodox people speak as though it were the business of sceptics to disprove received dogmas rather than of dogmatists to prove them. This is, of course, a mistake. If I were to suggest that between the Earth and Mars there is a china teapot revolving about the sun in an elliptical orbit…” quote by Bertrand Russell
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““Many orthodox people speak as though it were the business of sceptics to disprove received dogmas rather than of dogmatists to prove them. This is, of course, a mistake. If I were to suggest that between the Earth and Mars there is a china teapot revolving about the sun in an elliptical orbit, nobody would be able to disprove my assertion provided I were careful to add that the teapot is too small to be revealed even by our most powerful telescopes. But if I were to go on to say that, since my assertion cannot be disproved, it is intolerable presumption on the part of human reason to doubt it, I should rightly be thought to be talking nonsense. If, however, the existence of such a teapot were affirmed in ancient books, taught as the sacred truth every Sunday, and instilled into the minds of children at school, hesitation to believe in its existence would become a mark of eccentricity and entitle the doubter to the attentions of the psychiatrist in an enlightened age or of the Inquisitor in an earlier time.””

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

The quote argues that the burden of proof lies with those asserting a claim, not with skeptics tasked with disproving it, and warns against treating unverified doctrines as unquestionable truths.

In simple terms: Burden of proof rests on claimants, not skeptics.

Key Takeaway

Ask who must prove a claim.

Themes

epistemology skepticism burden of proof dogmatism critical thinking philosophy of science

Mood

thoughtful critical skeptical

Type

philosophical didactic critical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • religious doctrine
  • political propaganda
  • media misinformation
  • scientific claims

Key Concepts

burden of proof falsifiability authority belief vs evidence social pressure

Practical Applications

  • evaluating policy proposals
  • teaching critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • Who should be responsible for substantiating a claim?
  • How does social authority affect our willingness to question beliefs?
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