Quote that should be read (1 Viewer)

[jpl458]

“It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.” - Sherlock Holmes.

Conclusions should be based on facts. It is wrong to have a conclusions first, then search for or make up facts to to fit a more than likely false conclusion.

 

[MarkK]

It's tricky though, because according to the scientific method, we should observe, theorize, and predict before we produce detailed data.

Scientific method order of events: 1) observe, 2) hypothesize [theorize], 3) predict, 4) experiment, 5) analyze [conclude].

In the scientific method, one theorizes BEFORE one experiments, and I expect it is during experimentation that the "data" you refer to is produced.

How about: It is a capital mistake to oversimplify how to render a correct conclusion. In particular, extracting a line or two from a fictional account, most likely created to develop character and entertain the reader, is fraught with hazard.

 

[jpl458]

I was talking about politics, not science. It was a quote from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

 

[Jon]

I was talking about politics, not science. It was a quote from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

He lived in my town, Crowborough. There is a statue of him here.

 

[GaP42]

1. Science does follw that pattern - you can't theorize without having some data (observations) on which to base your hypothesis. Theories grow from the accumulation of verified hyporheses - all of which can fall down or require modification if the facts do not support the theory.
2. Arthur Conan Doyle was somewhat flawed - he believed in Fairies - the famous photograph of the fairies in the garden was convincing tro him.