Accepted Quote by Susanne Katherina Langer
“The faith of scientists in the power and truth of mathematics is so implicit that their work has gradually become less and less observation, and more and more calculation… But the facts which are accepted by virtue of these tests are not actually observed at all.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Nature of Mathematics, 1940s
Mathematics has become a self‑referencing calculation, distancing from direct observation, which can obscure empirical grounding.
In simple terms: Math is used more than observed.
Key Takeaway
Balance calculation with empirical checks.
Themes
philosophy
science
methodology
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research design
- data analysis
- model building
- policy making
Key Concepts
Epistemology
abstraction
verification
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure observations stay central?
- What risks arise from abstract models?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on calculation may miss real‑world nuances.
![“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)
![“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)
