Attempting Quote by Charles Lyell
“In attempting to explain geological phenomena, the bias has always been on the wrong side; there has always been a disposition to reason á priori on the extraordinary violence and suddenness of changes, both in the inorganic crust of the earth, and in organic types, instead of attempting strenuously to frame theories in accordance with the ordinary operations of nature.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Principles of Geology, 1830
Geological explanations often favor dramatic, extraordinary causes over ordinary, gradual processes, leading to bias.
In simple terms: Bias toward dramatic explanations.
Key Takeaway
Consider ordinary causes first.
Themes
science
bias
methodology
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
scientific
educational
When to use this quote
- earthquake analysis
- climate studies
- evolutionary biology
Key Concepts
reductionism
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you test for ordinary explanations?
- What evidence supports extraordinary claims?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on drama can miss subtle patterns.
