Doubt Quote by Bertrand Russell
““To begin with rationality in opinion: I should define it merely as the habit of taking account of all relevant evidence in arriving at a belief. Where certainty is unattainable, a rational man will give most weight to the most probable opinion, while retaining others, which have an appreciable probability, in his mind as hypotheses which subsequent evidence may show to be preferable.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Problems of Philosophy by Bertrand Russell, 1912
Rationality means weighing all evidence, favoring the most probable belief while keeping alternative hypotheses for future evidence.
In simple terms: Rationality is evidence‑based belief with openness to alternatives.
Key Takeaway
Base decisions on evidence, stay open to new data.
Themes
evidence
probability
open‑mindedness
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- legal judgments
- medical diagnosis
- investment analysis
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure you consider all relevant evidence?
- When should you revise a belief?
A Different Perspective
Rationality can be limited by cognitive biases and incomplete data.
![“If the State does not acquire supremacy over [vast private] enterprises, it becomes their puppet, and they become the real State.” quote by Bertrand Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bad/bertrand-russell-69_acquire_if-the-state-does-not-acquire-supremacy_1379.jpg)
