My thesis is that what we call 'science' is differentiated…
“My thesis is that what we call 'science' is differentiated from the older myths not by being something distinct from a myth, but by being accompanied by a second-order tradition-that of critically discussing the myth. ... In a certain sense, science is myth-making just as religion is.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science and myth both construct narratives, but science adds systematic critique of its own stories.
In simple terms: Science critiques its own myths.
Key Takeaway
Question your assumptions.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
mythology
science
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- public policy
- education
- media analysis
Key Concepts
critical thinking
meta-narratives
knowledge construction
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we ensure scientific narratives stay self‑critical?
- What role do myths play in modern scientific discourse?
A Different Perspective
Science can be limited by institutional biases that hinder self‑critique.