Causes Quote by Charles Lyell
“Hitherto, no rival hypothesis has been proposed as a substitute for the doctrine of transmutation; for 'independent creation,' as it is often termed, or the direct intervention of the Supreme Cause, must simply be considered as an avowal that we deem the question to lie beyond the domain of science.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Principles of Geology, 1830-33
The quote argues that the idea of independent creation or divine intervention is an admission that the question lies outside scientific inquiry.
In simple terms: Science cannot explain origins without invoking supernatural causes.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge limits of scientific explanation.
Themes
science
philosophy
religion
methodology
Mood
reflective
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- debates on origins
- educational curricula
- public policy on science
- philosophical discourse
Key Concepts
naturalism
transmutation
metaphysics
Questions to Reflect On
- Can science ever fully address metaphysical questions?
- How do we differentiate between scientific unknowns and metaphysical claims?
A Different Perspective
It may overlook that some scientific theories evolve to incorporate previously unexplainable phenomena.
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