At the heart of science is an essential tension between two seemingly contradictory attitudes - an openness to new ideas, no matter how bizarre or counterintuitive they may be, and the most ruthless skeptical scrutiny of all ideas, old and new. This is how deep truths are winnowed from deep nonsense.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Science relies on the tension between openness to new ideas and ruthless skeptical scrutiny to distinguish truth from nonsense.
- In plain terms
- Science needs both openness to new ideas and strict skepticism to find truth.
- What can you take from it?
- Balance openness with skepticism to separate truth from nonsense.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you balance openness and skepticism?
- When is skepticism harmful?
Another view
The tension between openness and skepticism can sometimes stall progress.
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