Experimental Error

Famous quotes containing the words experimental and/or error:

“When we run over libraries persuaded of these principles, what havoc must we make? If we take in our hand any volume; of divinity or school metaphysics, for instance; let us ask, Does it contain any abstract reasoning concerning quantity or number? No. Does it contain any experimental reasoning concerning matter of fact and existence? No. Commit it then to the flames; for it can contain nothing but sophistry and illusion.”
—David Hume (1711–1776)

“No consensus of men can make an error erroneous. We can only find or commit an error, not create it. When we commit an error, we say what was an error already.”
—Josiah Royce (1855–1916)