--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Every theory in philosophy, which is…" description: "\"Every theory in philosophy, which is built on pure conjecture, is an elephant; and every theory that is supported partly by fact, and partly by conject..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d16/thomas-reid-22153_built_every-theory-in-philosophy-which-is-buil_2236553.jpg" --- # Every theory in philosophy, which is built on pure… ![“Every theory in philosophy, which is built on pure conjecture, is an elephant; and every theory that is supported partly by fact, and partly by conjecture, is like Nebuchadnezzar's image, whose feet were partly of iron, and partly of clay.” quote by Thomas Reid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d16/thomas-reid-22153_built_every-theory-in-philosophy-which-is-buil_2236553.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d16/thomas-reid-22153_built_every-theory-in-philosophy-which-is-buil_2236553.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d16/thomas-reid-22153_built_every-theory-in-philosophy-which-is-buil_2236553.jpg) > “Every theory in philosophy, which is built on pure conjecture, is an elephant; and every theory that is supported partly by fact, and partly by conjecture, is like Nebuchadnezzar's image, whose feet were partly of iron, and partly of clay.” [Thomas Reid](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-reid/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Philosophical theories blend speculation and fact; pure speculation is like an elephant, mixed theory is like a statue with iron and clay feet. **In simple terms:** Theories combine guesswork and evidence; pure guesswork is unstable. Key Takeaway Balance speculation with evidence. Themes philosophy epistemology theory uncertainty Mood thoughtful critical Type analytical reflective When to use this quote - academic debate - policy making - scientific research Key Concepts empiricism rationalism ontology Questions to Reflect On - What evidence strengthens a theory? - How do you handle uncertain foundations? A Different Perspective Pure conjecture lacks grounding; mixed theories can be fragile. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Built](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/built/) [Clay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/clay/) [Conjecture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conjecture/) [Conjecture Elephant](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conjecture-elephant-5053106/) [Elephant Theory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elephant-theory-5053105/) [Elephants](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/elephants/) [Facts](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/facts/) [Feet](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feet/) [Iron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/iron/) [Like Nebuchadnezzar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like-nebuchadnezzar-5053107/) [Partly Conjecture](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/partly-conjecture-5053108/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Pure](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/pure/) [Theory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theory/) ## Related quotes > [The wisdom of God exceeds that of the wisest man, more than his wisdom exceeds that of a child. 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