Scientific practice is above all a story-telling practice…
“Scientific practice is above all a story-telling practice. ... Biology is inherently historical, and its form of discourse is inherently narrative. ... Biology as a way of knowing the world is kin to Romantic literature, with its discourse about organic form and function. Biology is the fiction appropriate to objects called organisms; biology fashions the facts "discovered" about organic beings.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Biology constructs narratives, intertwining facts with storytelling, similar to Romantic literature.
In simple terms: Science tells stories about life.
Key Takeaway
Recognize narrative bias in scientific discourse.
Themes
science
storytelling
biology
romanticism
Mood
analytical
thought‑provoking
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- research communication
- education
- public understanding of science
Key Concepts
epistemology
historicity
interpretive frameworks
Questions to Reflect On
- How does narrative shape scientific truth?
- Can we separate fact from story?
A Different Perspective
Stories may obscure objective data.