"No matter which comes first, the facts or the theory, the question to be addressed is the extent to which the theory is borne out by the facts. The strongest possible claim would be that the theory can be logically derived from the facts. That is, given the facts, the theory can be proven as a consequence of them. This strong claim cannot be substantiated."

Alan Chalmers Philosophy See all quotes by Alan Chalmers →

React to this quote

More by Alan Chalmers

“Science describes not just the observable world but also the world that lies beyond the appearances. This is a rough statement of realism with respect to science.”

“A mature science is governed by a single paradigm.”

“Empiricism and positivism share the common view that scientific knowledge should in some way be derived from the facts arrived at by observation.”

“Scientists are typically good at making scientific progress, but not particularly good at articulating what the progress consists of.”

“Which facts are relevant and which are not relevant to a science will be relative to the current state of development of that science.”

“A far as perception is concerned, the only things with which an observer has direct and immediate contact are his or her experiences.”

Resonant Thoughts

"I love what doesn't exist. I love love that doesn't exist, which extends above you like an invisible city, like uncapturable smoke, a love that evokes a longing for enchanted lands, which fills the he…"

— Marianne von Werefkin

Art1860–1938

#love

"What the Democrats are suggesting, basically, about a withdrawal — you can call it redeployment, whatever you want to call it. Basically, it in effect validates the terrorists' strategy. You've got to…"

— Dick Cheney

Politics1941–2025

#war

"It's not a fantasy performance, Jane. Come on. Everything I do is real. It comes out of my head. I live this life every day. When I'm onstage it's my therapy. It's not a performance. It's a ritual. An…"

— GG Allin

Music1956–1993

#life

"Men do not sufficiently realise that their future is in their own hands. Theirs is the task of determining first of all whether they want to go on living or not. Theirs is the responsibility, then, fo…"

— Henri_Bergson

Philosophy1859–1941

#life