Certainty Quote by Mary Lefkowitz
““...the absence of certainty does not mean that one interpretation is as valid as any other. Probabilities and plausibilities matter; and when the evidence is less precise or less tangible than we would like it to be, some explanations are still more likely than others.””
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Philosophy of Science, University of Chicago, 2018
Certainty is not required for valid interpretation; evidence quality determines plausibility and probability.
In simple terms: Evidence guides which explanations are more likely.
Assess evidence before accepting interpretations.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research analysis
- academic debate
- policy decision making
- media literacy
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you evaluate evidence strength?
- When should you favor probability over certainty?
Overreliance on certainty can stifle open inquiry.