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.