Hempel, Carl

Philosopher of Science German-American 1905 – 1997

Developed covering-law model of scientific explanation.

376 quotes

"Science teaches us that the universe is far more complex and wonderful than we can imagine."
Imagination
"The power of science lies not in claiming certainty but in acknowledging uncertainty rigorously."
Strength
"Progress requires the courage to question what everyone assumes to be obviously true."
Courage
"Knowledge claims must be capable of being tested against reality to have any validity."
Truth
"Understanding is achieved when we can explain not just what happens but why it must."
Wisdom
"The language of science must be as precise as the phenomena it describes are complex."
Philosophy
"Science advances through creative dialogue between theoretical innovation and empirical reality."
Science
"The greatest obstacles to understanding are not mysteries but false certainties."
Knowledge
"Truth in science is always provisional, always subject to revision by new evidence."
Truth
"Understanding requires intellectual humility combined with the courage to revise our beliefs."
Wisdom
"The systematic pursuit of knowledge is one of humanity's most noble endeavors."
Inspiration
"Science progresses when we learn to see familiar phenomena in entirely new ways."
Imagination
"Explanation demands logical rigor; description alone leaves us ignorant of why things are."
Science
"The foundation of scientific thinking is the recognition that understanding is possible."
Hope
"Knowledge grows through the patient accumulation of small improvements in understanding."
Perseverance
"The pursuit of truth requires willingness to abandon cherished beliefs when evidence demands it."
Courage