Our assent to the hypothesis implies that it is held to be true of all particular instances. That these cases belong to past or to future times, that they have or have not already occurred, makes no difference in the applicability of the rule to them. Because the rule prevails, it includes all cases.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A hypothesis, once accepted, applies universally to all instances, regardless of time.
- In plain terms
- When we accept a rule, it works for every case, past or future.
- What can you take from it?
- Treat accepted principles as timeless until disproven.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can any rule truly be timeless?
- What limits universal application?
Another view
Historical context can affect how a rule is interpreted.
More from William Whewell
By speaking of space as an Idea, I intend to imply...that the apprehension of objects as existing in space, and of the relations of position, &c., prevailing a…
Permalink to quote #5 The system becomes more coherent as it is further extended. The elements which we require for explaining a new class of facts are already contained in our syst…
Permalink to quote #7 Man is the interpreter of nature, science the right interpretation.
Permalink to quote #8
Related quotes
Nonbeing must in some sense be, otherwise what is it that there is not? This tangled doctrine might be nicknamed Plato's beard; historically it has proved toug…
Willard van Orman QuineWillard van Orman Quine quote #1 La raison et l'amour sont ennemis jures.
Pierre CorneillePierre Corneille quote #1 By means of beauty all beautiful things become beautiful. For this appears to me the safest answer to give both to myself and others; and adhering to this, I t…
SocratesSocrates quote #1