Commit Quote by Josiah Royce
“No consensus of men can make an error erroneous. We can only find or commit an error, not create it. When we commit an error, we say what was an error already.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Philosophy of Loyalty, 1908
Errors are not created by consensus; they exist independently and are only recognized or committed.
In simple terms: Errors exist regardless of agreement.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and correct errors, don’t blame consensus.
Themes
philosophy
error
consensus
truth
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- legal judgments
- scientific research
- team decisions
- public policy
- academic work
Key Concepts
epistemology
logic
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you distinguish an error from a differing opinion?
- What mechanisms ensure errors are identified in groups?
A Different Perspective
Consensus can mask errors, making them harder to detect.
