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Full Idea
If we cannot know the truth of theories without observation, and we cannot know the truth of observations without theories, where do we start?
Gist of Idea
If theories need observation, and observations need theories, how do we start?
Source
Alexander Bird (Philosophy of Science [1998], Ch.5)
Book Ref
Bird,Alexander: 'Philosophy of Science' [UCL Press 2000], p.174
A Reaction
See Idea 6793. You make a few observations, under the illusion that they are objective, then formulate a promising theory, then go back and deconstruct the observations, then tighten up the theory, and so on.
Related Idea
Idea 6793 People can break into the circle of virtue and good action, by chance, or with help [Aristotle]