Exchanging Quote by Claude Bernard
“Progress is achieved by exchanging our theories for new ones which go further than the old, until we find one based on a larger number of facts. ... Theories are only hypotheses, verified by more or less numerous facts. Those verified by the most facts are the best, but even then they are never final, never to be absolutely believed.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Introduction to Experimental Medicine, 1865
Scientific progress relies on replacing old theories with newer, more fact‑based ones, acknowledging that all theories remain provisional.
In simple terms: Science improves by updating ideas with better evidence.
Key Takeaway
Embrace new evidence, stay open to change.
Themes
science
progress
humility
Mood
curious
reflective
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- policy making
- public discourse
Key Concepts
theory revision
empiricism
falsifiability
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you decide when a theory is sufficiently supported?
- What safeguards prevent premature acceptance of new ideas?
A Different Perspective
Even the best theories are provisional and may later be overturned.
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