No theory ever agrees with all the facts in its domain, yet it is not always the theory that is to blame. Facts are constituted by older ideologies, and a clash between facts and theories may be proof of progress. It is also a first step in our attempt to find the principles implicit in familiar observational notions.
Interpretation
The quote reflects the idea that theories and facts are interconnected and evolve together, suggesting that discrepancies may signify progress rather than failure.
Paul Feyerabend's quote emphasizes that theoretical frameworks are never entirely consistent with all observed facts, as facts themselves are influenced by prior ideologies. Instead of viewing the conflict between facts and theories as a failure of the theory, it can be seen as a sign of intellectual advancement, leading us to deeper understanding and the uncovering of underlying principles in our observations.
In practice
This quote can be used in a lecture about scientific methodology.
The idea of a method that contains firm, unchanging, and absolutely binding principles for conducting the business of science meets considerable difficulty when confronted with the results of historical research. We find, then, that there is not a single rule, however plausible, and however firmly grounded in epistemology, that is not violated at some time or another.
Science is essentially an anarchic enterprise: theoretical anarchism is more humanitarian and more likely to encourage progress than its law-and-order alternatives.
The separation of state and church must be complemented by the separation of state and science, that most recent, most aggressive, and most dogmatic religious institution.
The only absolute truth is that there are no absolute truths.
Science is only ‘one’ of the many instruments people invented to cope with their surroundings. It is not the only one, it is not infallible and it has become too powerful, too pushy and too dangerous to be left on its own.
The separation of science and non-science is not only artificial but also detrimental to the advancement of knowledge. If we want to understand nature, if we want to master our physical surroundings, then we must use all ideas, all methods, and not just a small selection of them.
Our actions are like ships which we may watch set out to sea, and not know when or with what cargo they will return to port.
Partial truths or half-truths are often more insidious than total falsehoods.
They do not need the sun. Who needs the sun when the eyes glow? Darkness. A woolen fog has wrapped the earth, has dropped a heavy curtain. From far away, from beyond the curtain, comes the sound of drops falling on stone. Far, far away - the autumn, people, tomorrow. ("The North")
Here then, as I lay down the pen and proceed to seal up my confession, I bring the life of that unhappy Henry Jekyll to an end.
The Olympic Movement is a 20th century religion. Where there is no injustice of caste, of race, of family, of wealth.
A man's ethical behaviour should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.
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