We have such a terrible, terrible misconception of science. We think it involves the definite, the precise, the known; it is a horrid series of gates to an unknown as vast of the universe; which means endless.
Anne RiceRead
In the end, a theory is accepted not because it is confirmed by conventional empirical tests, but because researchers persuade one another that the theory is correct and relevant.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The acceptance of a theory relies more on the persuasion among scholars than on empirical evidence alone.
This quote by Fischer Black highlights the social dynamics of scientific acceptance, suggesting that the credibility of a theory often hinges on the persuasive abilities of researchers rather than solely on empirical validation. It reflects the importance of consensus and communication within the scientific community in determining what is accepted as knowledge.
Themes
TheoryPersuasionScienceResearchAcceptance
In practice
Example use cases
During a scientific conference, this quote could be used to emphasize the importance of collaboration and consensus in research.
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