Quote: a mathematician regards any discovered truth as a mere probability; confidence is gained through the approbation of friends and the learned world

Quotation

There is no Algebraist nor Mathematician so expert in his science, as to place entire confidence in any truth immediately upon his discovery of it, or regard it as any thing, but a mere probability. Every time he runs over his proofs, his confidence increases; but still more by the approbation of his friends; and is raised to its utmost perfection by the universal assent and applause of the learned world.   Google-1   Google-2

Published before 1923

Related Topics

Topic: mathematical proof as a social process (14 items)