“A theory should not attempt to explain all the facts, because some of the facts are wrong” has been credited to molecular biologist Francis Crick, but there’s no evidence that he said it. AKA Shakespeare: A Scientific Approach to the Authorship Question (2013) by Peter Surrock listed 11 “Prospero’s Precepts,” of which this was number 6.
The list of “Prospero’s Precepts” quickly became widely cited.
RE Think
Prospero’s Precepts: 11 Tools for Critical Thinking
April 1, 2013 in Education
A fantastic list of 11 rule culled from some of history’s greatest minds can serve as a general-purpose guideline for critical thinking in all matters of doubt. This list appears in AKA Shakespeare: A Scientific Approach to the Authorship Question (Peter Surrock) and is discussed in more detail at Brainpickings:
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6. A theory should not attempt to explain all the facts, because some of the facts are wrong. (Francis Crick)
Brain Pickings/a>
April 1. 2013
Was Shakespeare Shakespeare? 11 Rules for Critical Thinking
by Maria Popova
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But perhaps best of all is the checklist of credos that underpin the analytical tool. Dubbed Prospero’s Precepts, these eleven rules culled from some of history’s greatest minds can serve as a general-purpose guideline for critical thinking in all matters of doubt:
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6. A theory should not attempt to explain all the facts, because some of the facts are wrong. (Francis Crick)
Twitter
Awais Aftab
@awaisaftab
“A theory should not attempt to explain all the facts, because some of the facts are wrong.” Francis Crick http://exp.lore.com/post/47381234408/1-all-beliefs-in-whatever-realm-are-theories-at …
9:43 PM - 7 Apr 13
Neuro Dojo
10 April 2013
The emergence of a fake quote?
While reading an article on Brain Pickings inspired by the question of authorship of Shakespeare’s work, I noticed this quote:
A theory should not attempt to explain all the facts, because some of the facts are wrong.
It was attributed to Francis Crick, one third of the Nobel prize winners for work on DNA structure.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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