Biology Quote by David C. Stove
““New religionists, such as Williams, Dawkins, and Wilson, regard people and all other organisms as the helpless puppets, tools, or vehicles, of hidden purposive agents of more than human power and intelligence, whose only goal is to produce the largest possible number of their replicas in the next generation of organisms. But””
About This Quote
The quote critiques a view that treats living beings as mere tools of higher, unseen forces aimed at maximizing replication, implying a deterministic, mechanistic worldview.
In simple terms: It warns against seeing life as just a means for unseen powers to copy themselves.
Key Takeaway
Question the assumption that purpose is imposed from beyond.
Themes
philosophy
science
determinism
ethics
ontology
Mood
critical
skeptical
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- debates on evolution
- bioethics discussions
- philosophical seminars
- public policy analysis
Key Concepts
reductionism
instrumentalism
replication theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence supports the claim of hidden purposive agents?
- How does this view affect our moral obligations?
A Different Perspective
May overlook agency and moral responsibility of individuals.
![“I don't see that [Richard] Dawkins' basic account of evolution is incompatible with God's having designed it.” quote by Richard Dawkins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6d4/richard-dawkins-115_accounts_i-don-t-see-that-richard-dawkins-basic-a_1945558.jpg)
