Experiments Quote by Imre Lakatos
“No experimental result can ever kill a theory: any theory can be saved from counterinstances either by some auxiliary hypothesis or by a suitable reinterpretation of its terms.”
About This Quote
Theories survive by adapting with auxiliary ideas or reinterpretations when faced with contradictory data.
In simple terms: Ideas can be saved by tweaking them.
Adjust theories, not discard them.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research design
- academic debate
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it better to abandon a theory?
- How to balance flexibility with rigor?
Over‑adjustment may mask real flaws.