Boyle valued experimental evidence over verbal reasoning from "summary" of Leviathan and the Air-Pump by Steven Shapin,Simon Schaffer
Robert Boyle was known for his dedication to empirical evidence as the basis for scientific knowledge. He believed that observations and experiments should form the foundation of understanding the natural world, rather than relying solely on abstract reasoning or philosophical arguments. For Boyle, the physical world was best understood through direct observation and experimentation, which allowed for the testing and verification of hypotheses. This approach contrasted with the prevailing reliance on verbal reasoning and logical deduction that characterized much of the intellectual landscape at the time. Boyle's emphasis on empirical evidence was rooted in his belief that the natural world operated according to specific, observable laws that could be uncovered through systematic investigation. By conducting experiments and carefully documenting his findings, Boyle sought to establish a more reliable and objective basis for scientific knowledge. He was skeptical of purely speculative or theoretical approaches that lacked ...
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