Definitions Quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
“Scientific method is the way to truth, but it affords, even in principle, no unique definition of truth. Any so-called pragmatic definition of truth is doomed to failure equally.”
About This Quote
Source Book: From a Logical Point of View, Willard Van Orman Quine, 1953
The scientific method guides inquiry but cannot definitively define truth, and pragmatic definitions also fail.
In simple terms: Science helps find truth but can’t define it.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty in defining truth.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
science
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- research design
- academic debate
- policy analysis
Key Concepts
truth
pragmatism
methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we decide what counts as truth?
- Can practical success replace philosophical certainty?
A Different Perspective
Truth may remain context‑dependent despite rigorous methods.
![“Some have said that the thesis [of indeterminacy] is a consequence of my behaviorism. Some have said that it is a reductio ad absurdum of my behaviorism. I disagree with this second point, but I agree with the first. I hold further that the behaviorism approach is mandatory. In psychology one may…” quote by Willard Van Orman Quine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3e0/willard-van-orman-quine-10137_ads_some-have-said-that-the-thesis-of-indete_315688.jpg)
![“The self is defined psychologically as the psychic totality of the individual. Anything that a [person] postulates as being a greater totality than [oneself] can become a symbol of the self. For this reason the symbol of the self is not always as total as the definition would require.” quote by Carl Jung](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/251/carl-jung-274_defined_the-self-is-defined-psychologically-as-t_7148.jpg)
