Erroneous Quote by David Deutsch
““Amending the ‘data’, or rejecting some as erroneous, is a frequent concomitant of scientific discovery, and the crucial ‘data’ cannot even be obtained until theory tells us what to look for and how and why.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Fabric of Reality, 1997
Scientific progress relies on editing data and theory together; data is only meaningful when guided by theoretical expectations.
In simple terms: Science edits data and theory together; theory directs data collection.
Key Takeaway
Align data collection with theoretical goals.
Themes
science
methodology
theory
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research design
- experiment planning
- data analysis
- theory development
Key Concepts
Epistemology
philosophy of science
Questions to Reflect On
- How does theory shape what data you seek?
- Can data ever be truly theory‑independent?
A Different Perspective
Theory may bias data interpretation, limiting objectivity.
