Skip to content

Accuracy Quote by Bertrand Russell

“Science does not aim at establishing immutable truths and eternal dogmas; its aim is to approach the truth by successive approximations, without claiming that at any stage final and complete accuracy has been achieved.” quote by Bertrand Russell
Download Open image
“Science does not aim at establishing immutable truths and eternal dogmas; its aim is to approach the truth by successive approximations, without claiming that at any stage final and complete accuracy has been achieved.”

Bertrand Russell

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Problems of Philosophy, 1912

Russell states that science seeks provisional truth through continual refinement, never claiming absolute certainty.

In simple terms: Science aims for better approximations, not final truths.

Key Takeaway

Embrace uncertainty and ongoing inquiry.

Themes

philosophy science methodology epistemology

Mood

thoughtful reflective

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • research projects
  • policy making
  • education
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

fallibilism empiricism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does it mean to accept provisional knowledge?
  • How can we balance confidence with humility?
A Different Perspective

Science’s provisional nature can be misused to justify inaction.

4.2 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Bertrand Russell

Explore all 1,620 Bertrand Russell quotes

More Accuracy quotes

Browse all 360 Accuracy quotes