I have not been able to discover the cause of those properties of gravity from phenomena, and I frame no hypotheses;' for whatever is not deduced from the phenomena is to be called a hypothesis, and hypotheses, whether metaphysical or physical, whether of occult qualities or mechanical, have no place in experimental philosophy.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Newton says that anything not derived from observation is a hypothesis, and such hypotheses have no place in experimental science.
- In plain terms
- Only ideas based on observed facts belong in science.
- What can you take from it?
- Base knowledge on evidence, not speculation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What role should unobservable concepts play in science?
- How can we test a hypothesis that seems beyond current observation?
Another view
Some hypotheses are useful guides even if not directly observed.
More from Isaac Newton
If I have seen further it is by standing on ye shoulders of Giants.
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