Facts must be discovered through observation rather than logical deduction alone.

Evidence

Facts have to be discovered by observation, not by reasoning; when we successfully infer the future, we do so by means of principles which are not logically necessary, but are suggested by empirical data. — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2114

Categorization

• XREF: XREF connects to Russell’s empiricist critique of rationalist metaphysics. — connects to: Theories must make testable predictions to be validated. — Hawking, Stephen, A Brief History of Time, 32; Factual propositions cannot be sustained merely by citing negative evidence — Ruggero J. Aldisert, Agatha D. Aldisert, Logic for Lawyers- A Guide to Clear…, 902; No genuine knowledge can be derived from a state of ignorance — Ruggero J. Aldisert, Agatha D. Aldisert, Logic for Lawyers- A Guide to Clear…, 1077 (+6 more)
• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, 2114

Broader Connections

• Theories must make testable predictions to be validated. #corroborates (0.60) — Hawking, Stephen, A Brief History of Time, 32
• Intellectual work must produce new knowledges rather than recirculate known conclusions #expands (0.60)
• Reasoning requires recognizing real logical connections and relationships among facts #expands (0.50) — Ruggero J. Aldisert, Agatha D. Aldisert, Logic for Lawyers- A Guide to Clear…, 247