There never comes a point where a theory can be said to be true. The most that one can claim for any theory is that it has shared the successes of all its rivals and that it has passed at least one test which they have failed.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Theories are never absolutely true but are accepted based on passing tests others fail.
- In plain terms
- Theories are tested against rivals but never proven truly.
- What can you take from it?
- Knowledge grows through comparison, not absolute proof.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can anything ever be proven true?
- How do you judge competing ideas?
Another view
Practical decisions often require treating theories as true.
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