--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Our theories are wedged and controlled as…" description: "\"Our theories are wedged and controlled as nothing else is. Yet sometimes alternative theoretic formulas are equally compatible with all the truths we k..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cea/william-james-228_alternatives_our-theories-are-wedged-and-controlled-a_452470.jpg" --- # Our theories are wedged and controlled as nothing else is… ![“Our theories are wedged and controlled as nothing else is. Yet sometimes alternative theoretic formulas are equally compatible with all the truths we know, and then we choose between them for subjective reasons. We choose the kind of theory to which we are already partial: we follow 'elegenace' or…” quote by William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cea/william-james-228_alternatives_our-theories-are-wedged-and-controlled-a_452470.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cea/william-james-228_alternatives_our-theories-are-wedged-and-controlled-a_452470.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cea/william-james-228_alternatives_our-theories-are-wedged-and-controlled-a_452470.jpg) > “Our theories are wedged and controlled as nothing else is. Yet sometimes alternative theoretic formulas are equally compatible with all the truths we know, and then we choose between them for subjective reasons. We choose the kind of theory to which we are already partial: we follow 'elegenace' or 'economy'” [William James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-james/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Multiple theories can fit known facts, yet personal bias leads us to favor one over another. **In simple terms:** We pick theories we like. Key Takeaway Recognize and challenge your biases. Themes philosophy epistemology bias decisionmaking Mood reflective analytical Type philosophical critical When to use this quote - academic research - policy development - personal belief formation Key Concepts subjectivity theory choice confirmation bias Questions to Reflect On - What criteria do you use to select a theory? - How can you test for bias in your choices? A Different Perspective Alternative theories may be equally valid, making choice subjective. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Alternative Theoretic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alternative-theoretic-3945781/) [Alternatives](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/alternatives/) [Compatible](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/compatible/) [Controlled](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/controlled/) [Economy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/economy/) [Formulas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/formulas/) [Kind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kind/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Now and then](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/now-and-then/) [Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason/) [Sometimes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sometimes/) [Subjective](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/subjective/) [Theories](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theories/) [Theories Wedged](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theories-wedged-3945780/) [Theory](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theory/) [Theory Partial](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/theory-partial-3945782/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [One hears of the mechanical equivalent of heat. 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