Authority Quote by Roy Crowson
“There have been many authorities who have asserted that the basis of science lies in counting or measuring, i.e. in the use of mathematics. Neither counting nor measuring can however be the most fundamental processes in our study of the material universe-before you can do either to any purpose you must first select what you propose to count or measure, which presupposes a classification.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: On the Foundations of Science, unknown source
Science requires classification before measurement; counting presupposes categories to be defined.
In simple terms: You must first decide what to count.
Key Takeaway
Identify categories before measuring.
Themes
science
methodology
classification
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- research design
- data collection
- experimental planning
Key Concepts
epistemology
ontology
measurement
Questions to Reflect On
- What categories shape your observations?
- How do you choose what to measure?
A Different Perspective
Classification can be subjective, leading to bias.
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