The catastrophist constructs theories, the uniformitarian demolishes them.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Theorists create frameworks while empiricists test and dismantle them.
- In plain terms
- Some make theories and others destroy them.
- What can you take from it?
- Critique is as important as creation.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do you build or critique?
- Which helps science more?
Another view
Both roles need each other to advance.
More from William Whewell
In art, truth is a means to an end; in science, it is the only end.
Permalink to quote #9 It is a test of true theories not only to account for but to predict phenomena.
Permalink to quote #11 Man is the interpreter of nature, science the right interpretation.
Permalink to quote #8
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