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Believing Quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson

“Other unrelenting skeptics might declare that “seeing is believing”—an approach to life that works well in many endeavors, including mechanical engineering, fishing, and perhaps dating. It’s also good, apparently, for residents of Missouri. But it doesn’t make for good science. Science is not just…” quote by Neil deGrasse Tyson
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““Other unrelenting skeptics might declare that “seeing is believing”—an approach to life that works well in many endeavors, including mechanical engineering, fishing, and perhaps dating. It’s also good, apparently, for residents of Missouri. But it doesn’t make for good science. Science is not just about seeing, it’s about measuring, preferably with something that’s not your own eyes, which are inextricably conjoined with the baggage of your brain. That baggage is more often than not a satchel of preconceived ideas, post-conceived notions, and outright bias.””

Neil deGrasse Tyson

About This Quote

Source Speech: Public talk on scientific method, 2019

Science relies on objective measurement, not just personal perception, because human senses are biased by prior beliefs

In simple terms: Science needs measurable evidence, not just what we see

Key Takeaway

Prioritize data over intuition in research

Themes

science objectivity bias

Mood

analytical inquisitive

Type

educational philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • Laboratory work
  • engineering design
  • policy making
  • education

Key Concepts

Epistemology critical thinking methodology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you test your assumptions?
  • What tools help reduce observational bias?
A Different Perspective

Bias can be mitigated but never fully removed

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