Hypotheses Quote by Isaac Newton
“In experimental philosophy, we are to look upon propositions inferred by general induction from phenomena as accurately or very nearly true, notwithstanding any contrary hypotheses that may be imagined, till such time as other phenomena occur by which they may either be made more accurate or liable to exceptions.”
About This Quote
Source Treat: Opticks, 1704
The statement emphasizes trusting inductively derived propositions until new evidence challenges them.
In simple terms: Trust current theories until new data appears.
Key Takeaway
Stay open to revision as evidence evolves.
Themes
science
induction
uncertainty
Mood
curious
analytical
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- research planning
- policy making
- technology development
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
empiricism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance confidence in current models with openness to new data?
- When should you seek alternative explanations?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on induction can delay acceptance of novel paradigms.
![“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)
