Single Idea 3595

[catalogued under 13. Knowledge Criteria / B. Internal Justification / 2. Pragmatic justification]

Full Idea

A theory that represents working practices as unworkable is a bad theory.

Gist of Idea

What works always takes precedence over theories

Source

Michael Williams (Problems of Knowledge [2001], Ch.13)

Book Reference

Williams,Michael: 'Problems of Knowledge' [OUP 2001], p.154


A Reaction

Good point. There's a lot of this about in epistemology, especially accusations of circularity or infinite regress, which (if true) don't somehow seem to worry the cove on the Clapham omnibus.