Our aim as scientists is objective truth; more truth, more interesting truth, more intelligible truth. We cannot reasonably aim at certainty. Once we realize that human knowledge is fallible, we realize also that we can never be completely certain that we have not made a mistake.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Scientists should aim for objective and intelligible truth rather than certainty, acknowledging that all human knowledge is fallible.
- In plain terms
- Aim for truth, not certainty, because we can always be wrong.
- What can you take from it?
- Accepting fallibility is essential to scientific progress.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you do when certainty is impossible?
- How do you measure progress in knowledge?
Another view
Some practical fields require high certainty before action.
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