Accepted Quote by Robert Shapiro
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.”
About This Quote
When a hypothesis becomes dogma, dissenting data are ignored, turning inquiry into mythmaking.
In simple terms: Dogmatic thinking suppresses evidence.
Key Takeaway
Beware of treating theories as immutable facts.
Themes
epistemology
scientific integrity
bias
critical thinking
mythmaking
Mood
cautious
skeptical
reflective
Type
advice
observation
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- media reporting
- corporate R&D
- public health guidance
Key Concepts
confirmation bias
groupthink
knowledge resistance
Practical Applications
- peer review reform
- science communication training
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure dissenting evidence is heard?
- What mechanisms guard against dogma in science?
![“[Modern scientific] theories can necessarily never be more than hypothetical, since their starting-point is wholly empirical, for facts in themselves are always susceptible of diverse explanations and so never have been and never will be able to guarantee the truth of any theory.” quote by René Guénon](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3aa/ren-gu-non-14100_science_modern-scientific-theories-can-necessari_983839.jpg)
![“[Theory is] an explanation that has been confirmed to such a degree, by observation and experiment, that knowledgeable experts accept it as fact. That's what scientists mean when they talk about a theory: not a dreamy and unreliable speculation, but an explanatory statement that fits the evidence…” quote by David Quammen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e66/david-quammen-9256_accepting_theory-is-an-explanation-that-has-been-c_2604502.jpg)
![“I was in a conversation and someone said: "You know, we were talking about the whole issue of transgender and how it has become so accepted now, and somebody said, 'You know the Oprah show, I think has had a big impact.'" I said, I don't think so. We did several transgender [shows], but we didn't…” quote by Oprah Winfrey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd3/oprah-winfrey-186_accepted_i-was-in-a-conversation-and-someone-said_25645.jpg)