Activity Quote by Alfred North Whitehead
“Many a scientist has patiently designed experiments for the purpose of substantiating his belief that animal operations are motivated by no purposes. He has perhaps spent his spare time in writing articles to prove that human beings are as other animals so that 'purpose' is a category irrelevant for the explanation of their bodily activities, his own activities included. Scientists animated by the purpose of proving that they are purposeless constitute an interesting subject for study.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Process and Reality, Alfred North Whitehead, 1929
The quote critiques scientists who try to prove animals act without purpose, suggesting they themselves become purposeless subjects of study.
In simple terms: Scientists trying to deny purpose become purposeless themselves.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind claims of purposelessness.
Themes
philosophy
science
meaning
human nature
purpose
reductionism
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
critical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- ethical debates
- psychology studies
- public policy discussions
- education curricula
Key Concepts
Determinism
existentialism
anthropology
Questions to Reflect On
- What drives the desire to eliminate purpose from explanations?
- Can purpose be both a scientific and a personal concept?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook the inherent purposive aspects of human cognition.
![“There could conceivably be circumstances in which an experiment on an animal stands to reduce suffering so much that it would be permissible to carry it out even if it involved harm to the animal... [even if] the animal were a human being.” quote by Peter Singer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bf7/peter-singer-1001_animal_there-could-conceivably-be-circumstances_307252.jpg)
