Chapters Quote by Willard Van Orman Quine
“Theory may be deliberate, as in a chapter on chemistry, or it may be second nature, as in the immemorial doctrine of ordinary enduring middle-sized physical objects.”
About This Quote
The quote distinguishes between formal, taught theories and the intuitive, ingrained understanding of everyday physical reality.
In simple terms: Contrast between formal theory and intuitive knowledge.
Key Takeaway
Theory can be explicit or implicit.
Themes
Epistemology
Philosophy of Science
Cognition
Ontology
Education
Mood
Reflective
Intellectual
Analytical
Type
Philosophical observation
Educational insight
When to use this quote
- Teaching a chemistry class
- Explaining everyday physics
- Designing a physics curriculum
- Discussing common-sense reasoning
- Analyzing scientific concepts
Key Concepts
Theory vs. intuition
Physical objects
Doctrine
Middle-sized objects
Immemorial knowledge
Practical Applications
- Developing educational materials
- Improving scientific communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How does implicit knowledge shape scientific progress?
- When does formal theory become unnecessary?
![“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)
