Science has sometimes been said to be opposed to faith…
“Science has sometimes been said to be opposed to faith, and inconsistent with it. But all science, in fact, rests on a basis of faith, for it assumes the permanence and uniformity of natural laws - a thing which can never be demonstrated.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Science presupposes that natural laws are constant, a belief that cannot be proven, revealing an implicit faith underlying scientific inquiry.
In simple terms: Science rests on unproven belief in law-like regularity.
Key Takeaway
Science’s foundation is a faith in uniform natural order.
Themes
Epistemology
Philosophy of Science
Faith vs Reason
Assumptions
Methodology
Mood
Reflective
Introspective
Type
Philosophical
Analytical
When to use this quote
- Designing experiments
- Teaching philosophy of science
- Debating science-religion
- Evaluating scientific claims
Key Concepts
Law of Uniformity
Scientific Method
Metaphysics
Practical Applications
- Science education
- Science communication
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do we accept without proof?
- How does recognizing faith in science affect its credibility?