Nelson Goodman
(7 Aug 1906 - 25 Nov 1998)

American philosopher.

Science Quotes by Nelson Goodman (1)

For if as scientists we seek simplicity, then obviously we try the simplest surviving theory first, and retreat from it only when it proves false. Not this course, but any other, requires explanation. If you want to go somewhere quickly, and several alternate routes are equally likely to be open, no one asks why you take the shortest. The simplest theory is to be chosen not because it is the most likely to be true but because it is scientifically the most rewarding among equally likely alternatives. We aim at simplicity and hope for truth.
— Nelson Goodman
Problems and Projects (1972), 352.
See also:  |  Scientific Method (62)  |  Simplicity (30)  |  Theory (179)  |  Truth (241)


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