Skip to content

Any account of science which does not explicitly describe…

“Any account of science which does not explicitly describe it as something we believe in is essentially incomplete and a false pretense. It amounts to a claim that science is essentially different from and superior to all human beliefs that are not scientific statements--and this is untrue.” quote by Richard Rhodes
Download Open image
““Any account of science which does not explicitly describe it as something we believe in is essentially incomplete and a false pretense. It amounts to a claim that science is essentially different from and superior to all human beliefs that are not scientific statements--and this is untrue.””

Richard Rhodes

About This Quote

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

Science must acknowledge its belief-like aspects; claiming it’s wholly objective misrepresents its nature.

In simple terms: Science involves belief and interpretation.

Key Takeaway

Embrace scientific humility.

Themes

science philosophy epistemology

Mood

critical inquisitive

Type

philosophical analytical

When to use this quote

  • academic curricula
  • public debates
  • policy making

Key Concepts

belief systems scientific method

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do beliefs shape scientific inquiry?
  • Can science be fully separated from values?
A Different Perspective

Pure objectivity is unattainable.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Richard Rhodes

Explore all 34 Richard Rhodes quotes

More Physics quotes

Browse all 4,299 Physics quotes