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[Science] must be amoral by its very nature: The minute it…

“[Science] must be amoral by its very nature: The minute it begins separating facts into the two categories of good ones and bad ones it ceases to be science and becomes a mere nuisance, like theology.” quote by H. L. Mencken
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“[Science] must be amoral by its very nature: The minute it begins separating facts into the two categories of good ones and bad ones it ceases to be science and becomes a mere nuisance, like theology.”

H. L. Mencken

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Science should describe facts without moral judgment; mixing good and bad labels turns it into ideology.

In simple terms: Science must stay neutral.

Key Takeaway

Keep inquiry objective.

Themes

objectivity ethics science philosophy

Mood

critical reflective

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • research
  • policy making
  • education
  • public discourse
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

empiricism value neutrality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can scientists guard against value bias?
  • What role should ethics play in scientific application?
A Different Perspective

Moral judgments can bias interpretation and limit discovery.

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