Clear Quote by Bertrand Russell
“We are ... led to a somewhat vague distinction between what we may call "hard" data and "soft" data. This distinction is a matter of degree, and must not be pressed; but if not taken too seriously it may help to make the situation clear. I mean by "hard" data those which resist the solvent influence of critical reflection, and by "soft" data those which, under the operation of this process, become to our minds more or less doubtful.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: "The Philosophy of Logical Atomism", 1918
He distinguishes data that resists critical scrutiny from data that becomes doubtful under reflection.
In simple terms: Hard data resists doubt; soft data becomes doubtful.
Key Takeaway
Question the certainty of your evidence.
Themes
epistemology
philosophy
critical thinking
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research design
- policy analysis
- media literacy
- academic debate
Key Concepts
hard vs soft data
critical reflection
knowledge assessment
Questions to Reflect On
- What data do you accept without question?
- How can you test the softness of your data?
A Different Perspective
Hard data can be misleading if not examined critically.
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