Falsehood Quote by Ian Hacking
“A single observation that is inconsistent with some generalization points to the falsehood of the generalization, and thereby 'points to itself'.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Social Construction of What?, 1999
A contradictory observation reveals the flaw in a broad claim, exposing its self‑refuting nature
In simple terms: Exceptions show a rule is false
Key Takeaway
Question generalizations when faced with anomalies
Themes
logic
philosophy
science
critical thinking
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- research analysis
- policy making
- education
- debate
Key Concepts
falsifiability
self‑refutation
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions underlie your generalizations?
- How can we test for hidden contradictions?
A Different Perspective
Complex data may hide underlying patterns
![“A mind conscious of right laughs at the falsehoods of rumour. [Lat., Conscia mens recti famae mendacia risit.]” quote by Ovid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/95c/ovid-276_conscious_a-mind-conscious-of-right-laughs-at-the_12185.jpg)
