If we are to define science, ... it does not consist so…
“If we are to define science, ... it does not consist so much in knowing, nor even in "organized knowledge," as it does in diligent inquiry into truth for truth's sake, without any sort of axe to grind, nor for the sake of the delight of contemplating it, but from an impulse to penetrate into the reason of things.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science is portrayed as a relentless pursuit of truth, driven by curiosity rather than personal gain or mere accumulation of facts.
In simple terms: Truth-seeking over knowledge accumulation
Key Takeaway
Science is inquiry for its own sake
Themes
Epistemology
Philosophy of Science
Curiosity
Intellectual Integrity
Motivation
Truth
Mood
Reflective
Inquisitive
Serious
Type
Philosophical
Aphoristic
Inspirational
When to use this quote
- Academic research
- Fundamental physics investigations
- Philosophical debates
- Exploratory data analysis
Key Concepts
Scientific Method
Skepticism
Intellectual Honesty
Intrinsic Motivation
Practical Applications
- Designing unbiased experiments
- Developing curricula that emphasize inquiry
Questions to Reflect On
- Why might personal agendas hinder scientific progress?
- How does curiosity differ from utilitarian goals in research?