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[T]his progress of the physical sciences, which the…

“[T]his progress of the physical sciences, which the passions and interest do not interfere to disturb; wherein it is not thought that birth, profession, or appointment have given a right to judge what the individual is not in a situation to understand; this more certain progress cannot be…” quote by Marquis de Condorcet
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““[T]his progress of the physical sciences, which the passions and interest do not interfere to disturb; wherein it is not thought that birth, profession, or appointment have given a right to judge what the individual is not in a situation to understand; this more certain progress cannot be observed, unless enlightened men shall search in the other sciences to bring them continually together. This progress at every step exhibits the model they ought to follow; according to which they may form a judgment of their own efforts, ascertain the false steps they may have taken, preserve themselves from pyrrhonism as well as credulity, and from a blind mistrust or too extensive submission to the authorities even of men of reputation and knowledge.””

Marquis de Condorcet

About This Quote

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

The quote argues that true scientific progress must be free from personal bias and authority, urging continual integration of all sciences to avoid both extreme skepticism and gullibility.

In simple terms: Science should be unbiased and interdisciplinary.

Key Takeaway

Seek truth beyond authority.

Themes

science philosophy critical thinking intellectual humility

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • policy making
  • education reform
  • personal decision making

Key Concepts

epistemology interdisciplinary integration skepticism credulity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we balance respect for expertise with independent inquiry?
  • What mechanisms prevent bias in scientific collaboration?
A Different Perspective

May overlook practical constraints of interdisciplinary work.

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