Answer Quote by Richard Lewontin
“When the wrong question is being asked, it usually turns out to be because the right question is too difficult. Scientists ask questions they can answer. That is, it is often the case that the operations of a science are not a consequence of the problematic of that science, but that the problematic is induced by the available means.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, 1972
Scientists ask questions that their tools allow, often avoiding deeper, harder problems.
In simple terms: Research is limited by available methods.
Key Takeaway
Expand tools to explore harder questions.
Themes
science
methodology
limitations
inquiry
Mood
curious
critical
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- fundamental research
- interdisciplinary projects
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
technology
Questions to Reflect On
- What questions are we missing due to current methods?
- How can we develop new tools?
A Different Perspective
Tools constrain curiosity.
![“[Real scientist are delighted when they find out they are wrong. And to me that is one of the greatest gifts that a scientific education can bring.] There are too many people in this world who want to be right. And too few who just want to know.” quote by Brian Cox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/79c/brian-cox-8883_greatest-gift_real-scientist-are-delighted-when-they-f_2461884.jpg)
