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Air Quote by William James

“The suspicion is in the air nowadays that the superiority of one of our formulas to another may not consist so much in its literal 'objectivity,' as in subjective qualities like its usefulness, its 'elegance,' or its congruity with our residual beliefs” quote by William James
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“The suspicion is in the air nowadays that the superiority of one of our formulas to another may not consist so much in its literal 'objectivity,' as in subjective qualities like its usefulness, its 'elegance,' or its congruity with our residual beliefs”

William James

About This Quote

Source Essay: The Will to Believe, 1896

Scientific value often rests on subjective qualities like usefulness, elegance, and alignment with existing beliefs, not just objectivity.

In simple terms: Science is guided by taste and belief.

Key Takeaway

Consider elegance and relevance.

Themes

science subjectivity belief methodology philosophy

Mood

analytical thoughtful

Type

philosophical scientific

When to use this quote

  • research design
  • technology development
  • policy making
  • education
  • product design

Key Concepts

epistemology aesthetics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • What criteria should guide scientific judgment?
  • How do personal beliefs shape research?
A Different Perspective

Subjectivity can bias conclusions and limit objectivity.

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