Single Idea 12127

[catalogued under 14. Science / B. Scientific Theories / 5. Commensurability]

Full Idea

The ordinary face and view of experience is many times satisfied by several theories and philosophies.

Gist of Idea

Many different theories will fit the observed facts

Source

Francis Bacon (The Advancement of Learning [1605], II.VIII.5)

Book Reference

Bacon,Francis: 'Advancement of Learning/New Atlantis' [OUP 1966], p.121


A Reaction

He gives as his example that the Copernican system and the Ptolemaic system both seem to satisfy all the facts. He wrote in 1605, just before Galileo's telescope. His point is regularly made in modern discussions. In this case, he was wrong!