Capable Quote by Peter Lilley
“For a theory to be scientific it must be capable of being refuted by the evidence. Given that we have had three decades of rising temperature followed by a decade of stable and slightly falling temperatures worldwide, how many decades would you require before you are convinced that the theory on which you are committing £400bn of taxpayers' money might be slightly wrong?”
About This Quote
Source Speech: UK Parliament debate, 2023
Scientific theories must be testable; the climate claim is questioned due to recent temperature trends, implying the need for more evidence before large investments.
In simple terms: Science requires testable predictions.
Key Takeaway
Demand evidence before spending.
Themes
science
policy
climate change
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
political
economic
When to use this quote
- government budgeting
- environmental research
- public discourse
Key Concepts
falsifiability
risk assessment
public funding
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would change your view?
- How should policy balance uncertainty and risk?
A Different Perspective
The argument may oversimplify climate dynamics.
![“[The Community's] crosses and trials give me confidence. But I derive my hope above all, and most especially, from our utter incapacity, for it is always upon nothingness that God is pleased to rear His works. If at any day we accomplish some good here, the glory will certainly be His alone, since…” quote by Theodore Guerin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2b8/theodore-guerin-54729_accomplish_the-community-s-crosses-and-trials-give_7176.jpg)
