Meaning: The quote "Our best theories are not only truer than common sense, they make more sense than common sense" by David Deutsch, a physicist and author, challenges the notion that common sense is the ultimate arbiter of truth and understanding. In this statement, Deutsch suggests that the scientific theories and explanations developed through rigorous inquiry and evidence-based reasoning often surpass the intuitive, everyday understanding that is typically referred to as common sense. To fully understand the implications of this quote, it is essential to delve into the context and background of David Deutsch's work, as well as the significance of scientific theories in relation to common sense.

David Deutsch is known for his work in the field of quantum physics and the theory of computation. He is also a proponent of the philosophy of science known as "realism," which asserts that scientific theories aim to provide accurate explanations of the world, even if they conflict with common sense or intuition. Deutsch's quote reflects his realist perspective and his belief in the power of scientific theories to not only describe the natural world but also to provide a deeper and more coherent understanding than what is typically considered common sense.

The notion of common sense is often regarded as the practical, everyday understanding that individuals develop through their experiences and interactions with the world. It is based on immediate perceptions and generalizations that are accessible to most people without the need for specialized knowledge or training. However, common sense can be limited and prone to biases, misconceptions, and oversimplifications. Scientific theories, on the other hand, are built upon empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and rigorous testing, often leading to counterintuitive conclusions that challenge or contradict common sense.

Deutsch's assertion that scientific theories are "truer than common sense" highlights the fact that while common sense may provide a useful foundation for navigating everyday life, it is not infallible when it comes to understanding the complexities of the natural world. Scientific theories, developed through systematic observation, experimentation, and analysis, strive to provide explanations that are not only consistent with empirical evidence but also have predictive and explanatory power that surpasses what can be derived from common sense alone.

Moreover, Deutsch's claim that scientific theories "make more sense than common sense" suggests that these theories offer a more comprehensive, coherent, and internally consistent framework for understanding the phenomena they seek to explain. While common sense may rely on intuitive leaps and heuristic reasoning, scientific theories are structured to account for a wide range of data and observations, often leading to a deeper and more nuanced comprehension of natural phenomena.

In summary, David Deutsch's quote challenges the notion that common sense is the ultimate standard for truth and understanding. By emphasizing the superiority of scientific theories in both accuracy and coherence, he underscores the transformative power of rigorous inquiry and evidence-based reasoning in advancing our understanding of the world. This quote invites reflection on the relationship between common sense and scientific knowledge, highlighting the indispensable role of theoretical frameworks in transcending intuitive but limited understandings of reality.