Science, by itself, cannot supply us with an ethic. It can…
“Science, by itself, cannot supply us with an ethic. It can show us how to achieve a given end, and it may show us that some ends cannot be achieved.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science provides knowledge but cannot dictate moral choices; ethics require philosophical reasoning beyond empirical facts.
In simple terms: Science lacks moral guidance.
Cultivate ethical frameworks.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- policy making
- technology development
- medical decisions
- environmental planning
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What ethical principles guide your scientific work?
- How do you resolve conflicts between data and values?
Scientific data can be misused without ethical oversight.