A law explains a set of observations; a theory explains a set of laws. The quintessential illustration of this jump in level is th...e way in which Newton's theory of mechanics explained Kepler's law of planetary motion. Basically, a law applies to observed phenomena in one domain (e.g., planetary bodies and their movements), while a theory is intended to unify phenomena in many domains. Thus, Newton's theory of mechanics explained not only Kepler's laws, but also Galileo's findings about the motion of balls rolling down an inclined plane, as well as the pattern of oceanic tides. Unlike laws, theories often postulate unobservable objects as part of their explanatory mechanism. So, for instance, Freud's theory of mind relies upon the unobservable ego, superego, and id, and in modern physics we have theories of elementary particles that postulate various types of quarks, all of which have yet to be observed.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Let's start with the three fundamental Rules of Robotics.... We have: one, a robot may not injure a human being, or, through inact...ion, allow a human being to come to harm. Two, a robot must obey the orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. And three, a robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The fundamental laws of physics do not describe true facts about reality. Rendered as descriptions of facts, they are false; amend...ed to be true, they lose their explanatory force.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
... it must be obvious that in the agitation preceding the enactment of [protective] laws the zeal of the reformers would be secon...d to the zeal of the highly paid night-workers who are anxious to hold their trade against an invasion of skilled women. To this sort of interference with her working life the modern woman can have but one attitude: I am not a child.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Don't blame the police. They can't stop machine guns from being run back and forth across the state lines. They can't enforce laws... that don't exist.... Instead of trying to hide the facts, get busy and see that laws are passed that will do some good.... Pass a federal law that puts the gun in the same class as drugs and white slavery. Put teeth in the deportation act. These gangsters don't belong in this country; half of them aren't even citizens. I'll tell you what to do. Make laws and see that they're obeyed, if we have to have marshall law to do it... The army will help, so will the American Legion.... Let's get wise to ourselves. We're fighting organized murder.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
The laws of God, the laws of man, He may keep that will and can;... Not I: let God and man decree Laws for themselves and not for me;LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
It is clear that in a monarchy, where he who commands the exceution of the laws generally thinks himself above them, there is less... need of virtue than in a popular government, where the person entrusted with the execution of the laws is sensible of his being subject to their direction.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »