A true but incomplete theory can make its holder misread anomalies

Evidence

A philosophy which is not self-consistent cannot be wholly true, but a philosophy which is self-consistent can very well be wholly false. The most fruitful philosophies have contained glaring inconsistencies, but for that very reason have been partially true. There is no reason to suppose that a self-consistent system contains more truth than one which, like Locke’s, is obviously more or less wrong. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2213 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Anomalies that disconfirm theory become prized scientific opportunities today; A self-consistent philosophy can be completely false while inconsistent systems hold truth — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2213; Abstract theory is clarified only through concrete applied cases — Thomas C. Schelling, The Strategy of Conflict, 11 (+6 more)

Related

• A self-consistent philosophy can be completely false while inconsistent systems hold truth (similarity 0.89)
• Premature systematization produces only illusory coherence in a doctrine (similarity 0.84)
• Pure logical reasoning thrives in loneliness but produces empty pseudo-truth (similarity 0.80)
• Truth of a theory is independent of either its productivity or its non-application (similarity 0.79)
• Philosophical refutations are seldom final and merely precede further refinements (similarity 0.78)
• Philosophical inconsistency can generate richer intellectual movements than rigid logical consistency. (similarity 0.78)

Broader Connections

• A self-consistent philosophy can be completely false while inconsistent systems hold truth #corroborates (0.72) — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2213