Concepts Quote by Ernest Sosa
“When there are conflicts of observation, when experiments cannot be replicated, scientists may then retreat to a study of the various specific observations so as to explain the conflict, in the course of which they would make use of the concept of observation, or of some specification of that concept.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy article: “The Role of Observation in Scientific Conflict,” 2009
When data conflict, scientists dissect observations, refining concepts to resolve discrepancies, illustrating the iterative nature of scientific understanding.
In simple terms: Scientists refine concepts to resolve data conflicts.
Key Takeaway
Refine concepts to resolve scientific disputes.
Themes
science
methodology
observation
conflict resolution
philosophy of science
Mood
analytical
inquisitive
critical
Type
philosophical
academic
instructional
When to use this quote
- designing experiments
- reviewing data
- teaching scientific method
- writing research proposals
- peer review
Key Concepts
conceptual analysis
empirical testing
theory revision
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle contradictory evidence?
- When is it okay to accept uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
Over‑analysis can stall progress; sometimes pragmatic acceptance is needed.
