Elari

“His basic assumptions were untenable, and his initial experiments irreproducible, yet both were of enormous heuristic value. This is the case with all really valuable experiments. They are all of them uncertain, incomplete, and unique. And when experiments become certain, precise, and reproducible at any time, they no longer are necessary for research purposes proper but function only for demonstration or ad hoc determinations.”
― Ludwik Fleck, Genesis and Development of a Scientific Fact

“The current state of knowledge remains vague when history is not considered, just as history remains vague without substantive knowledge about the current state.”
― Ludwik Fleck, Genesis and Development of a Scientific Fact

“Discovery is thus inextricably interwoven with what is known as error. To recognize a certain relation, many another relation must be misunderstood, denied, or overlooked. The operation of cognition [Erkenntnisphysiologie] is analogous to the physiology of movement. To move a limb, an entire so-called myostatic system must be immobilized to provide a basis of fixation. Every movement consists of two active processes; namely, motion and inhibition. The corresponding features in the operation of cognition are purposive, directed determination and cooperative abstraction, which complement one another.”
― Ludwik Fleck, Genesis and Development of a Scientific Fact

“The explanation given to any relation can survive and develop within a given society only if this explanation is stylized in conformity with the prevailing thought style.”
― Ludwik Fleck, Genesis and Development of a Scientific Fact