Ask a scientist what he conceives the scientific method to…
“Ask a scientist what he conceives the scientific method to be and he will adopt an expression that is at once solemn and shifty-eyed: solemn, because he feels he ought to declare an opinion; shifty-eyed, because he is wondering how to conceal the fact that he has no opinion to declare.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Scientists claim objectivity but often mask uncertainty with confident language, revealing hidden bias.
In simple terms: Scientists hide uncertainty with confident words.
Key Takeaway
Demand transparency in scientific claims.
Themes
science
truth
communication
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic publishing
- public policy
- media reporting
Key Concepts
epistemology
bias
rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better reveal uncertainty?
- What role does rhetoric play in science?
A Different Perspective
Confidence can mislead audiences.