Contrary Quote by Isaac Newton
“In experimental philosophy, propositions gathered from phenomena by induction should be considered either exactly or very nearly true notwithstanding any contrary hypotheses, until yet other phenomena make such propositions either more exact or liable to exceptions.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophy: Experimental philosophy discourse, 18th century
Inductive propositions derived from observations are treated as true until new evidence challenges them, acknowledging provisional certainty.
In simple terms: Treat observed facts as true until proven otherwise.
Key Takeaway
Accept provisional truths, stay open to new data.
Themes
science
philosophy
methodology
Mood
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- research design
- theory building
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
induction
falsifiability
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What limits exist in inductive reasoning?
- How do we balance certainty with openness?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on induction can ignore anomalies.
![“Do not Bodies act upon Light at a distance, and by their action bend its Rays; and is not this action (caeteris paribus) [all else being equal] strongest at the least distance?” quote by Isaac Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f9c/isaac-newton-1226_action_do-not-bodies-act-upon-light-at-a-distan_90238.jpg)
![“I am ashamed to tell you to how many figures I carried these calculations [of Pi], having no other business at the time” quote by Isaac Newton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/93f/isaac-newton-1226_ashamed_i-am-ashamed-to-tell-you-to-how-many-fig_106544.jpg)
