It is wrong for a man to say that he is certain of the objective truth of any proposition unless he can produce evidence which logically justifies that certainty.
Thomas HuxleyRead
It is the first duty of a hypothesis to be intelligible.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The main responsibility of a hypothesis is to be clear and understandable.
In the realm of scientific inquiry, Thomas Huxley emphasizes that a hypothesis must be presented in a way that is clear and comprehensible. This clarity is essential as it lays the groundwork for experimentation and validation, allowing others to understand, test, and potentially replicate the findings of a given study. A hypothesis that is not intelligible may lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and ultimately hinder scientific progress.
Themes
HypothesisClarityScienceIntelligibilityUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a classroom setting, a teacher might use this quote when discussing the importance of clear communication in science.
More from Thomas Huxley
All quotes βThe child who has been taught to make an accurate elevation, plan, and section of a pint pot has had an admirable training in accuracy of eye and hand.
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Let us have "sweet girl graduates" by all means. They will be none the less sweet for a little wisdom; and the "golden hair" will not curl less gracefully outside the head by reason of there being brains within.
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The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of childhood into maturity.
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Of the few innocent pleasures left to men past middle life, the jamming of common sense down the throats of fools is perhaps the keenest.
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The scientific spirit is of more value than its products, and irrationally held truths may be more harmful than reasoned errors.
Thomas HuxleyRead
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