“We are thus led to a somewhat vague distinction between what we may call "hard" data and "soft" data. This distinction is a matter of degree, and must not be pressed; but if not taken too seriously it may help to make the situation clear. I mean by "hard" data those which resist the solvent influence of critical reflection, and by " soft " data those which, under the operation of this process, become to our minds more or less doubtful.”

—  Bertrand Russell

Source: 1910s, Our Knowledge of the External World (1914), p. 70

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Bertrand Russell 562
logician, one of the first analytic philosophers and politi… 1872–1970

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