We should not expect precision from a theory beyond what its subject matter will bear. If poetry is not math, neither is virtue and vice. This rule suggests that theories should only be as precise as the nature of their subject allows—some fields demand rigour, while others require flexibility.

Breaking It Down:

“We should not expect precision from a theory beyond what its subject matter will bear.”

• Different disciplines have different standards of accuracy.
• Mathematics and physics demand precision because they deal with measurable realities.
• Ethics, art, and human behavior are complex, subjective, and situational—forcing rigid precision onto them would be misguided.

“If poetry is not math, neither is virtue and vice.”

• Poetry thrives on ambiguity, interpretation, and emotional depth—unlike math, which follows strict logical rules.
• Similarly, moral concepts like virtue and vice are not absolute equations but depend on context, culture, and individual perspectives.
• Trying to define morality with the precision of math ignores the complexity of human nature.

Key Takeaway:

• Not everything can or should be reduced to strict formulas.
• Wisdom lies in recognizing where precision is necessary and where flexibility is essential.