Democracy Quote by carl sagan
““Science is far from a perfect instrument of knowledge. It's just the best we have. In this respect, as in many others, it's like democracy. Science by itself cannot advocate courses of human action, but it can certainly illuminate the possible consequences of alternative courses of action.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Cosmos, Carl Sagan, 1980
Science is an imperfect tool, the best we possess, akin to democracy: it cannot dictate actions but can reveal outcomes.
In simple terms: Science is our best, imperfect guide.
Key Takeaway
Use science to inform choices.
Themes
knowledge
science
democracy
decisionmaking
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
reflective
informative
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- ethical debates
- technology assessment
- public health planning
Key Concepts
epistemology
consequentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What consequences can science illuminate for your decision?
- How do you balance scientific insight with moral judgment?
A Different Perspective
Science cannot tell us what to value.
![“[ 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)
![“Vote for Donald Trump. You're going to see something and you'll be so happy, you'll be so thrilled. This [presidential] election is about every man, woman and child in our country who deserves to live in safety, prosperity and peace, so true.” quote by Donald Trump](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/18e/donald-trump-18_children_vote-for-donald-trump-you-re-going-to-se_1553.jpg)
