It is interesting that this thoroughness, which is a…
““It is interesting that this thoroughness, which is a virtue, is often misunderstood. When someone says a thing has been done scientifically, often all he means is that it has been done thoroughly. I have heard people talk of the "scientific" extermination of the Jews in Germany. There was nothing scientific about it. It was only thorough. There was no question of making observations and then checking them in order to determine something. In that sense, there were "scientific" exterminations of people in Roman times and in other periods when science was not so far developed as it is today and not much attention was paid to observation. In such cases, people should say "thorough" or "thoroughgoing," instead of "scientific.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Thoroughness is often mistaken for scientific rigor; true science requires observation and verification, not just exhaustive execution.
In simple terms: Thoroughness ≠ scientific.
Key Takeaway
Distinguish careful work from genuine scientific method.
Themes
methodology
ethics
history
misinterpretation
Mood
cautionary
instructive
Type
ethical
educational
When to use this quote
- research projects
- historical analysis
- policy making
- education curricula
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you seen “thorough” used to justify wrongdoing?
- How can we ensure rigor includes ethical oversight?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on thoroughness can obscure ethical concerns and lead to harmful outcomes.