The very hope of experimental philosophy, its expectation of constructing the sciences into a true philosophy of nature, is basedon induction, or, if you please, the a priori presumption, that physical causation is universal; that the constitution of nature is written in its actual manifestations, and needs only to be deciphered by experimental and inductive research; that it is not a latent invisible writing, to be brought out by the magic of mental anticipation or metaphysical mediation.
Chauncey WrightWe receive the truths of science by compulsion. Nothing but ignorance is able to resist them.
Chauncey WrightNatural Selection never made it come to pass, as a habit of nature, that an unsupported stone should move downwards rather than upwards. It applies to no part of inorganic nature, and is very limited even in the phenomena of organic life.
Chauncey WrightAnd we owe science to the combined energies of individual men of genius, rather than to any tendency to progress inherent in civilization.
Chauncey Wright