Bane Quote by William James
“But it is the bane of psychology to suppose that where results are similar, processes must be the same. Psychologists are too apt to reason as geometers would, if the latter were to say that the diameter of a circle is the same thing as its semi-circumference, because, forsooth, they terminate in the same two points.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: The Principles of Psychology, 1890
Similar results do not guarantee identical processes; psychologists wrongly assume geometric equivalence.
In simple terms: Same outcomes don’t mean same methods.
Key Takeaway
Recognize diverse paths to similar ends.
Themes
psychology
methodology
assumptions
diversity
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
Type
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- experimental design
- education
Key Concepts
Philosophy of science
research design
Questions to Reflect On
- What hidden differences might you overlook?
- How can you test process uniqueness?
A Different Perspective
Assuming sameness can mislead research.
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