Quote

In so far as such a theory is empirically correct it will also tell us what empirical facts it should be possible to observe in a given set of circumstances.

— Talcott Parsons

Sentiment: POSITIVE

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✓Similar Perspectives

Nevertheless, as is a frequent occurrence in science, a general hypothesis was constructed from a few specific instances of a phenomenon.

— Sidney Altman

There can be theory but, you know, the problem is you've got to be able to test it. So theories are one thing, testing is another.

— Brian Schmidt

It is a test of true theories not only to account for but to predict phenomena.

— William Whewell

It is an acknowledged truth in philosophy that a just theory will always be confirmed by experiment.

— Thomas Malthus

You have to test your hypothesis against other theories. Certainty in the face of complex situations is very dangerous.

— Richard Holbrooke

A theory must be tempered with reality.

— Jawaharlal Nehru

Theory helps us to bear our ignorance of facts.

— George Santayana

In experimental philosophy, we are to look upon propositions inferred by general induction from phenomena as accurately or very nearly true, notwithstanding any contrary hypotheses that may be imagined, till such time as other phenomena occur by which they may either be made more accurate or liable to exceptions.

— Isaac Newton

✗Opposing Perspectives

I'm not sure what theory is, unless it's the pursuit of fundamental questions.

— David Antin

Our empirical criterion for a series of theories is that it should produce new facts. The idea of growth and the concept of empirical character are soldered into one.

— Imre Lakatos