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Court Quote by Morris Raphael Cohen

“If a philosophic theory is once ruled out of court, no one can tell when it will appear again.” quote by Morris Raphael Cohen
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“If a philosophic theory is once ruled out of court, no one can tell when it will appear again.”

Morris Raphael Cohen

About This Quote

Source Essay: "The Philosophy of Law," 1935

When a philosophical theory is dismissed by courts, its future reemergence is unpredictable.

In simple terms: Legal rejection makes a theory’s return uncertain.

Key Takeaway

Stay open to ideas even after rejection.

Themes

law philosophy uncertainty intellectual history

Mood

analytical critical

Type

academic theoretical

When to use this quote

  • legal analysis
  • academic debate
  • policy making

Key Concepts

jurisprudence epistemology cognitive bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • What conditions could revive a dismissed theory?
  • How does legal precedent shape philosophical discourse?
A Different Perspective

May underestimate the power of entrenched legal doctrines.

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