Science ... has no consideration for ultimate purposes…
“Science ... has no consideration for ultimate purposes, any more than Nature has, but just as the latter occasionally achieves things of the greatest suitableness without intending to do so, so also true science, as the imitator of nature in ideas, will occasionally and in many ways further the usefulness and welfare of man,-but also without intending to do so.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science imitates nature, producing useful outcomes without purposeful intent, mirroring nature’s accidental suitability.
In simple terms: Science creates useful results unintentionally.
Key Takeaway
Accept accidental benefits of scientific progress.
Themes
science
nature
accident
usefulness
progress
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- research funding
- technology development
- policy making
- education curricula
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
teleology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we guide scientific work toward ethical goals?
- What role should intentionality play in research?
A Different Perspective
Science may be misapplied or misunderstood without clear purpose.