Approximation Quote by John Dewey
“Unless our laboratory results are to give us artificialities, mere scientific curiosities, they must be subjected to interpretation by gradual re-approximation to conditions of life.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Lecture on Scientific Method, 1930s
Scientific data must be related to real life, not treated as mere curiosities, through progressive interpretation.
In simple terms: Data must be linked to real life.
Interpret results in real-world context.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research design
- policy making
- education
- technology development
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure lab findings translate to everyday life?
- What steps bridge the gap between data and lived experience?
Real-world relevance can be hard to achieve without interdisciplinary collaboration.