Biology Quote by Alfred North Whitehead
““The truth is that science started its modern career by taking over ideas derived from the weakest side of the philosophies of Aristotle's successors. In some respects it was a happy choice. It enabled the knowledge of the seventeenth century to be formularised so far as physics and chemistry were concerned, with a completeness which has lasted to the present time. But the progress of biology and psychology has probably been checked by the uncritical assumption of half-truths. If science is not to degenerate into a medley of ad hoc hypothesis, it must become philosophical and must enter upon a thorough criticism of its own foundations.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Process and Reality by Alfred North Whitehead, 1929
Science must critically examine its philosophical foundations to avoid relying on half‑truths and ad‑hoc hypotheses.
In simple terms: Science needs self‑criticism.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions, integrate philosophy.
Themes
science
philosophy
methodology
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
academic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- physics research
- chemistry development
- biology studies
- psychology theory
- academic curricula
Key Concepts
foundations
critical analysis
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- How can scientific fields incorporate philosophical critique?
- What risks arise from unexamined assumptions?
A Different Perspective
Science alone cannot guarantee truth without philosophical scrutiny.
