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Show me a cultural relativist at 30,000 feet and I'll show…

“Show me a cultural relativist at 30,000 feet and I'll show you a hypocrite ... If you are flying to an international congress of anthropologists or literary critics, the reason you will probably get there - the reason you don't plummet into a ploughed field - is that a lot of Western…” quote by Richard Dawkins
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“Show me a cultural relativist at 30,000 feet and I'll show you a hypocrite ... If you are flying to an international congress of anthropologists or literary critics, the reason you will probably get there - the reason you don't plummet into a ploughed field - is that a lot of Western scientifically trained engineers have got their sum right.”

Richard Dawkins

About This Quote

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

Cultural relativism can be a façade; true understanding requires grounding in empirical science and rational critique.

In simple terms: Science grounds cultural critique.

Key Takeaway

Apply scientific reasoning.

Themes

science criticism relativism

Mood

analytical skeptical

Type

philosophical critical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • policy analysis
  • education
  • public discourse
  • null

Key Concepts

philosophy anthropology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can science and cultural insight coexist?
  • When does relativism hinder truth?
A Different Perspective

May dismiss valuable cultural perspectives.

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