Argument Quote by Carl Sagan
“One of the great commandments of science is, 'Mistrust arguments from authority'. (Scientists, being primates, and thus given to dominance hierarchies, of course do not always follow this commandment.)”
About This Quote
Source Book: Cosmos, 1980
Science advises distrust of authority arguments, recognizing human bias toward hierarchy, though scientists may not always follow this.
In simple terms: Question authority in science due to bias.
Key Takeaway
Critically evaluate expert claims.
Themes
science
authority
critical thinking
bias
hierarchy
Mood
inquisitive
analytical
educational
Type
quote
philosophical
scientific
When to use this quote
- research reviews
- policy making
- education
- media consumption
Key Concepts
epistemology
human nature
scientific method
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you trust expert consensus?
- How do you balance skepticism with respect for expertise?
A Different Perspective
Authority can still be valuable when evidence is strong.
![“[ When a religious couple wrote to Sagan about fulfilled prophecies, he wrote back in May 1996 :] If ‘fulfilled prophecy’ is your criterion, why do you not believe in materialistic science, which has an unparalleled record of fulfilled prophecy? Consider, for example, eclipses.” quote by Carl Sagan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/875/carl-sagan-160_belief_when-a-religious-couple-wrote-to-sagan-a_25095.jpg)
