Accepting Quote by David Quammen
![“[Theory is] an explanation that has been confirmed to such a degree, by observation and experiment, that knowledgeable experts accept it as fact. That's what scientists mean when they talk about a theory: not a dreamy and unreliable speculation, but an explanatory statement that fits the evidence…” quote by David Quammen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e66/david-quammen-9256_accepting_theory-is-an-explanation-that-has-been-c_2604502.jpg)
“[Theory is] an explanation that has been confirmed to such a degree, by observation and experiment, that knowledgeable experts accept it as fact. That's what scientists mean when they talk about a theory: not a dreamy and unreliable speculation, but an explanatory statement that fits the evidence. They embrace such an explanation confidently but provisionally - taking it as their best available view of reality, at least unil some severely conflicting data or some better explanation might come along.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Soul of a New Machine by David Quammen, 1992
A scientific theory is a well‑supported explanation accepted by experts, yet remains provisional pending new evidence.
In simple terms: Theories explain data but can change with new facts.
Key Takeaway
Treat theories as strong but revisable explanations.
Themes
science
theory
epistemology
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research proposals
- policy decisions
- education curricula
Key Concepts
falsifiability
evidence hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would change a current theory?
- How do you balance confidence and humility?
A Different Perspective
Theories can be overturned by paradigm shifts.
![“To the religious spirit … God alone is the cause of all positive effects … [I]t solves … most … questions always with the same answer, making all the operations of Nature … operations of God, … God is the idea which supplies the lack of theory. … The explanation of the inexplicable - which…” quote by Ludwig Feuerbach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/484/ludwig-feuerbach-3406_darkness_to-the-religious-spirit-god-alone-is-the_2423032.jpg)
