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.