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William Whewell (1794-1866) was an English philosopher and scientist. Wikipedia says,
"What is most often remarked about Whewell is the breadth of his endeavors.... He published work in the disciplines of mechanics, physics, geology, astronomy, and economics, while also finding time to compose poetry, author a Bridgewater Treatise, translate the works of Goethe, and write sermons and theological tracts." (Wikipedia: William Whewell, 8.19.21 UTC 15:12)The rest of this post is some quotes from Whewell.
Discovery of truth
"A very important advantage would be gained if any light could be thrown upon the modes of discovering truth, the powers that we possess for this end, and the points to which there may most profitably be applied." (History of the Inductive Sciences, 1837)
"The great reform of philosophy and method in which Bacon so eloquently called upon men to unite their exertions in his day has, even in ours, been very imperfectly carried into effect. And even if his plan had been fully executed, it would now require to be pursed and extended." (History of the Inductive Sciences, 1837)
"[Scientific discoveries] have been preceded by a period which we may call their prelude, during which the ideas and facts on which they turned were called into action; were gradually evolved into clearness and connexion, permanency and certainty." (History of the Inductive Sciences, 1837)
"We have no lack of proof that mere activity of thought is... inefficient in producing real knowledge... How impossible the formation of these sciences is without a constant and careful reference to observation and experiment." (History of the Inductive Sciences, 1837)
Ancient Greek philosophy
"Again, we find the Greek philosophers applying themselves to extract their dogmas from the most general and abstract notions which they could detect." (History of the Inductive Sciences, 1837)
"Such a mode of discussion as this, led to no [physical] truths of real or permanent value. The whole mass of Greek philosophy... shrinks into an almost imperceptible compass, when viewed with reference to the progress of physical knowledge." (History of the Inductive Sciences, 1837)
Philosophy of mathematics
"An so no force however great can stretch a cord however fine into a horizontal line which which is actually straight." (Elementary Treatise on Mechanics, 1819)
"We unfold out of the idea of space the propositions of geometry, which are plainly truths of the most rigorous necessity and universality." (Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, 1840)
"I do not include the phrase 'inductive sciences' the branches of pure mathematics (geometry, arithmetic, algebra and the like) because as I have elsewhere stated these are not inductive but deductive sciences: they do not infer true theories from observed facts... without the aid of experience." (History of the Inductive Sciences, 1837)
"We unfold out of the idea of space the propositions of geometry, which are plainly truths of the most rigorous necessity and universality." (Philosophy of the Inductive Sciences, 1840)
"I do not include the phrase 'inductive sciences' the branches of pure mathematics (geometry, arithmetic, algebra and the like) because as I have elsewhere stated these are not inductive but deductive sciences: they do not infer true theories from observed facts... without the aid of experience." (History of the Inductive Sciences, 1837)
