It is a mistake to believe that science consists in…
“It is a mistake to believe that science consists in nothing but conclusively proved propositions, and it is unjust to demand that it should. It is a demand made by those who feel a craving for authority in some form to replace the religious catechism by something else, even a scientific one.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science should not be reduced to only proven facts; demanding absolute certainty seeks authority and mimics religious dogma.
In simple terms: Science isn’t just proven facts; demanding certainty seeks authority.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions and embrace uncertainty.
Themes
science
authority
philosophy
critical thinking
Mood
thoughtful
critical
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
reflective
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
epistemology
dogma
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- What role should uncertainty play in scientific progress?
- How does authority influence our acceptance of knowledge?
A Different Perspective
Science cannot answer all questions; overreliance on certainty can stifle creativity.