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Advice Quote by Peter B. Medawar

“I cannot give any scientist of any age better advice than this: the intensity of the conviction that a hypothesis is true has no bearing on whether it is true or not.” quote by Peter B. Medawar
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““I cannot give any scientist of any age better advice than this: the intensity of the conviction that a hypothesis is true has no bearing on whether it is true or not.””

Peter B. Medawar

About This Quote

Source Book: Scientific Method, Peter B. Medawar, 1965

Evidence, not belief, determines truth; conviction alone cannot make a hypothesis correct.

In simple terms: Belief doesn't prove truth.

Key Takeaway

Base conclusions on data, not just confidence.

Themes

science critical thinking objectivity

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • research
  • peer review
  • policy making

Key Concepts

philosophy of science epistemology bias

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you test a deeply held belief?
  • What role does humility play in scientific inquiry?
A Different Perspective

Strong belief can blind one to contradictory evidence.

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