… is from pages 93-94 of the original edition of Michael Polanyi’s 1946 book, Science, Faith, and Society:
All theories are ‘epicyclical’ in the sense that reasons are always conceivable which will account for an observed deviation. It always remains for the scientist to decide in the light of the general premises of science, and of the particular assumptions considered plausible at the time, what weight to attach to any given set of observations in support or refutation of a theory on which they seem to be bearing. Ultimately this is a matter for his personal judgement.
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