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About this quote

What does it mean?
Science loses its validity when it becomes a fixed dogma rather than a method of inquiry.
In plain terms
Science fails when it turns into a rigid belief system.
What can you take from it?
Stay open to change rather than sticking to fixed doctrines.

Where it applies

  • academic debate
  • scientific method
  • religious critique

Putting it to work

  • evaluating research
  • avoiding bias
  • promoting skepticism

Questions to consider

  • When does a scientific theory become a dogma?
  • Is it possible to hold strong convictions without becoming rigid?

Another view

Some fields rely on established theories that act as working creeds.

More from Thomas Henry Huxley

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