For science can only ascertain what is, but not what…
“For science can only ascertain what is, but not what should be, and outside of its domain value judgments of all kinds remain necessary. Religion, on the other hand, deals only with evaluations of human thought and action: it cannot justifiably speak of facts and relationships between facts.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science describes facts; religion addresses values—both needed, but they serve different purposes.
In simple terms: Science tells what is; religion tells what ought to be.
Key Takeaway
Balance fact and value.
Themes
science
religion
ethics
Mood
thoughtful
balanced
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- medical ethics
- education curricula
Key Concepts
epistemology
value theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we respect both domains?
- What decisions need both perspectives?
A Different Perspective
Conflicts arise when facts are used to justify values.