C'este donc par l'étude des mathématiques, et seulement par elle, que l'on peut se faire une idée juste et approfondie de ce que c'est qu'une science.
Auguste ComteRead
To understand a science it is necessary to know its history.
Interpretation
Understanding a science requires knowledge of its historical development.
Auguste Comte's quote suggests that to fully grasp any scientific field, one must study the historical context and evolution of that science. This historical perspective enriches our understanding of scientific principles and the progression of thought that led to current knowledge, highlighting the importance of context in the advancement of science.
In practice
In a lecture about scientific methodology, this quote can emphasize the importance of historical context.
C'este donc par l'étude des mathématiques, et seulement par elle, que l'on peut se faire une idée juste et approfondie de ce que c'est qu'une science.
nd now that man's history has been for the first time systematically considered as a whole, and has been found to be, like all other phenomena, subject to invariable laws, the preparatory labours of modern Science are ended.
The sacred formula of positivism: love as a principle, the order as a foundation, and progress as a goal.
Language forms a kind of wealth, which all can make use of at once without causing any diminution of the store, and which thus admits a complete community of enjoyment; for all, freely participating in the general treasure, unconsciously aid in its preservation.
If we do not allow free thinking in chemistry or biology, why should we allow it in morals or politics?
The idea of atomic energy is illusionary but it has taken so powerful a hold on the minds, that although I have preached against it for twenty-five years, there are still some who believe it to be realizable.
There has been so much underestimating of animal cognition that to perhaps overestimate it, as I probably do, is probably a healthy reaction.
This [climate change] is potentially so dangerous that we have to act strongly. Do we want to play Russian roulette with two bullets or one?
Research under a paradigm must be a particularly effective way of inducing paradigm change.
Evolution is an indispensable component of any satisfying explanation of our psychology.
The time has come to recognize that food, how we produce it, process it, package it, sell it, cook it and eat it, is as important as any other issue.
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