Skip to content

Ifs Quote by Nicole Oresme

“It is probable that two proposed unknown rations are incommensurable because if many unknown rations are proposed it is most probable that any [one] would be incommensurable to any [other].” quote by Nicole Oresme
Download Open image
“It is probable that two proposed unknown rations are incommensurable because if many unknown rations are proposed it is most probable that any [one] would be incommensurable to any [other].”

Nicole Oresme

About This Quote

Source Treatise: Mathematical Philosophy, 14th century

When many unknown ratios are proposed, it is likely they cannot be compared directly.

In simple terms: Many unknown ratios are incomparable.

Key Takeaway

Accept limits of comparison.

Themes

mathematics incommensurability uncertainty

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

academic critical

When to use this quote

  • scientific research
  • economic models
  • policy analysis

Key Concepts

philosophy of science logic

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we handle incomparable data?
  • When is approximation acceptable?
A Different Perspective

Some ratios may be approximated despite incomparability.

2.7 out of 5 (4 ratings)

More by Nicole Oresme

Explore all 2 Nicole Oresme quotes

More Ifs quotes

Browse all 94,309 Ifs quotes