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About this quote

What does it mean?
Einstein claims that our theories determine what we can observe in reality.
In plain terms
What you see depends on the ideas you use to look.
What can you take from it?
Theory shapes observation.

Where it applies

  • scientific method
  • philosophy of science

Putting it to work

  • recognizing bias
  • interpreting data

Questions to consider

  • Do you see what you expect to see?
  • How does theory limit what you observe?

Another view

Some observations like raw sensory data exist before theory applies.

More from Albert Einstein

  1. Quantum mechanics is certainly imposing. But an inner voice tells me that it is not yet the real thing. The theory says a lot, but does not really bring us any…

    Permalink to quote #12
  2. By an application of the theory of relativity to the taste of readers, today in Germany I am called a German man of science, and in England I am represented as…

    Permalink to quote #14
  3. I have second thoughts. Maybe God is malicious.

    Permalink to quote #11

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