Arbitrary Quote by Carl Sagan
“The claim is also sometimes made that science is as arbitrary or irrational as all other claims to knowledge, or that reason itself is an illusion. As Ethan Allen said Those who invalidate reason ought seriously to consider whether they argue against reason with or without reason; if with reason, then they establish the principle that they are labouring to dethrone. If they argue without reason, which they must do, in order to be consistent with themselves, they are out of reach of rational conviction, nor do they deserve a rational argument.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Skeptics' Guide, Carl Sagan, 1995
Reason is essential; dismissing it leads to irrationality and undermines rational discourse.
In simple terms: Reason matters; ignoring it is self‑defeating.
Key Takeaway
Guard against dismissing reason.
Themes
philosophy
science
logic
Mood
thought‑provoking
critical
Type
philosophical
educational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- public policy
- education curricula
- media analysis
Key Concepts
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What are the consequences of denying reason?
- How can we protect rational discourse?
A Different Perspective
People may claim reason is illusion yet still use it.
![“[ 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)
