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Quote by Arthur Eddington

Work

New Pathways in Science: Messenger Lectures (1934)

This volume compiles a series of lectures presented by distinguished scientists, offering insights into the latest developments and ideas in science during the 1930s. more

Author

Arthur Eddington
Arthur Eddington

Arthur Eddington was a distinguished British astronomer recognized for his contributions to astrophysics and cosmology. He is particularly renowned for his observations during the 1919 solar eclipse, which validated Einstein's theory of general relativity. Eddington's legacy in astronomy has significantly advanced our comprehension of the cosmos. more

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“For the Members of the Assembly having before their eyes so many fatal Instances of the errors and falshoods, in which the greatest part of mankind has so long wandred, because they rely'd upon the strength of humane Reason alone, have begun anew to correct all Hypotheses by sense, as Seamen do their dead Reckonings by Cœlestial Observations; and to this purpose it has been their principal indeavour to enlarge and strengthen the Senses by Medicine, and by such outward Instruments as are proper for their particular works.”

“Given any rule, however "fundamental" or "necessary" for science, there are always circumstances when it is advisable not only to ignore the rule, but to adopt its opposite. For example, there are circumstances when it is advisable to introduce, elaborate and defend ad hoc hypotheses, or hypotheses which contradict well-established and generally accepted experimental results, or hypotheses whose content is smaller than the content of the existing and empirically adequate alternative, or self-inconsistent hypotheses, and so on.”

“These changes-the more rapid pulse, the deeper breathing, the increase of sugar in the blood, the secretion from the adrenal glands-were very diverse and seemed unrelated. Then, one wakeful night, after a considerable collection of these changes had been disclosed, the idea flashed through my mind that they could be nicely integrated if conceived as bodily preparations for supreme effort in flight or in fighting. Further investigation added to the collection and confirmed the general scheme suggested by the hunch.”