Activity Quote by Cornel West
“The authority of science promotes and encourages the activity of observing, comparing, measuring and ordering the physical characteristics of human bodies. Cartesian epistemology and classical ideals produced forms of rationality, scientificity and objectivity that, though efficacious in the quest for truth and knowledge, prohibited the intelligibility and legitimacy of black equality. In fact, to "think" such an idea was to be deemed irrational, barbaric or mad.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Race Matters, 1993
Scientific rationality, while powerful, has historically excluded Black experiences, labeling them irrational and marginalizing equality.
In simple terms: Science can ignore Black perspectives.
Key Takeaway
Challenge exclusion in scientific discourse.
Themes
justice
epistemology
racism
Mood
critical
thought‑provoking
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- academic curricula
- policy making
- public health research
- media representation
Key Concepts
critical theory
objectivity
social equity
Questions to Reflect On
- How can science become more inclusive?
- What biases exist in current research?
A Different Perspective
Science alone cannot guarantee fairness without inclusive epistemology.
![“You can't really move forward until you look back. [From Remaking America panel discussion at George Washington University]” quote by Cornel West](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/273/cornel-west-708_george-w_you-can-t-really-move-forward-until-you_37313.jpg)
