In a very real sense, therefore, advocacy of the doctrine…
“In a very real sense, therefore, advocacy of the doctrine of continuity [i.e evolutionism] has always necessitated on retreat from pure empiricism [i.e., logic an observation], and contrary to what is widely assumed by evolutionary biologists today, it has always been the anti-evolutionists [i.e creationist], not the evolutionists, in the scientific community who have struck rigidly to the facts and adhered to a more strictly empirical approach... It was Darwin the evolutionist who was retreating from the facts.”
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 historically, anti‑evolutionary scientists have been more strictly empirical than many evolutionists, who sometimes ignore conflicting data.
In simple terms: Anti‑evolutionists have been more fact‑focused than some evolutionists.
Question evidence over ideology.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy making
- education curriculum
- public discourse
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does personal belief influence scientific interpretation?
- What standards ensure objectivity in controversial fields?
It may overgeneralize the attitudes of many scientists.