Concepts Quote by Ernst Mayr
“Definitions are temporary verbalizations of concepts, and concepts- particularly difficult concepts- are usually revised repeatedly as our knowledge and understanding grows.”
About This Quote
Source Book: "The Growth of Biological Thought", 1982
Definitions evolve as concepts mature; knowledge is provisional and revisable.
In simple terms: Definitions change with understanding.
Key Takeaway
Stay open to revising ideas.
Themes
science
knowledge
evolution
Mood
thoughtful
curious
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- policy making
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
conceptual change
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle changing definitions?
- When should you hold onto a definition?
A Different Perspective
Constant revision can cause uncertainty.
