---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: A mere inference or theory must give way…"
description: "\"A mere inference or theory must give way to a truth revealed; but a scientific truth must be maintained, however contradictory it may appear to the mos..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eae/david-brewster-37945_contradictory_a-mere-inference-or-theory-must-give-way_3197665.png"
---

#  A mere inference or theory must give way to a truth…

![“A mere inference or theory must give way to a truth revealed; but a scientific truth must be maintained, however contradictory it may appear to the most cherished doctrines of religion.” quote by David Brewster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eae/david-brewster-37945_contradictory_a-mere-inference-or-theory-must-give-way_3197665.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eae/david-brewster-37945_contradictory_a-mere-inference-or-theory-must-give-way_3197665.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/eae/david-brewster-37945_contradictory_a-mere-inference-or-theory-must-give-way_3197665.png)

> “A mere inference or theory must give way to a truth revealed; but a scientific truth must be maintained, however contradictory it may appear to the most cherished doctrines of religion.”

[David Brewster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/david-brewster/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Scientific truth must be upheld even when it clashes with deeply held religious beliefs.

**In simple terms:** Science may conflict with religion.

Key Takeaway

Defend evidence over doctrine.

Themes

science truth religion conflict

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

analytical philosophical

When to use this quote

- academic debate
- policy making
- education curricula
- public discourse

Key Concepts

epistemology dogma paradigm shift

Questions to Reflect On

- How do we balance respect for belief with scientific evidence?
- When should tradition yield to new data?

A Different Perspective

Truth can be socially disruptive; acceptance may be slow.

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