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Faith Quote by David Bentley Hart

“What is absolutely certain is that the naturalist view of things is, as I have said, just a picture of the world, not a truth about the world that we can know, nor even a conviction that rests upon a secure rational foundation.” quote by David Bentley Hart
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““What is absolutely certain is that the naturalist view of things is, as I have said, just a picture of the world, not a truth about the world that we can know, nor even a conviction that rests upon a secure rational foundation.””

David Bentley Hart

About This Quote

Source Book: The Beauty of the Infinite, 1995

Our scientific descriptions are models, not ultimate truths; they are provisional representations that guide understanding but lack absolute certainty.

In simple terms: Science offers models, not absolute truth.

Key Takeaway

Treat scientific views as provisional guides.

Themes

philosophy science epistemology humility knowledge

Mood

thoughtful analytical cautious

Type

philosophical educational

When to use this quote

  • academic research
  • policy making
  • education
  • public discourse
  • personal belief formation

Key Concepts

Model-dependent realism fallibilism critical inquiry

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you differentiate between model and truth?
  • What role does humility play in scientific progress?
A Different Perspective

Relying solely on models can lead to overconfidence in uncertain domains.

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