Data Quote by Michael Polanyi
“I hold that the propositions embodied in natural science are not derived by any definite rule from the data of experience, and that they can neither be verified nor falsified by experience according to any definite rule.”
About This Quote
Source Philosophical Treatise: Personal Knowledge by Michael Polanyi, 1958
Scientific statements are not strictly derived from data; they cannot be fully proven or disproven by experience alone.
In simple terms: Science isn’t purely data‑driven.
Key Takeaway
Embrace the role of intuition in scientific work.
Themes
science
philosophy
methodology
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
theoretical
reflective
When to use this quote
- research design
- peer review
- education curriculum
Key Concepts
underdetermination
theory choice
intuition
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance intuition with evidence?
- What limits does this view place on scientific certainty?
A Different Perspective
May undervalue empirical testing.
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