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I would say to anybody who thinks that all the problems in…

“I would say to anybody who thinks that all the problems in philosophy can be translated into empirically verifiable answers - whether it be a Lawrence Krauss thinking that physics is rendering philosophy obsolete or a Sam Harris thinking that neuroscience is rendering moral philosophy obsolete…” quote by Rebecca Goldstein
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“I would say to anybody who thinks that all the problems in philosophy can be translated into empirically verifiable answers - whether it be a Lawrence Krauss thinking that physics is rendering philosophy obsolete or a Sam Harris thinking that neuroscience is rendering moral philosophy obsolete - that it takes an awful lot of philosophy - philosophy of science in the first case, moral philosophy in the second - even to demonstrate the relevance of these empirical sciences.”

Rebecca Goldstein

About This Quote

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

It argues that philosophy remains essential because empirical sciences alone cannot fully address philosophical questions, especially in science and morality.

In simple terms: Philosophy is still needed despite scientific advances.

Key Takeaway

Integrate philosophical thinking with science.

Themes

philosophy science ethics

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

academic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • public policy
  • technology ethics

Key Concepts

epistemology meta‑ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What philosophical questions does modern science leave unresolved?
  • How can philosophers collaborate with scientists?
A Different Perspective

Philosophy can be abstract and less actionable.

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