Evolution Quote by David C. Stove
““Nor have any Darwinians ever given, to this day, any such reconciliation of their theory with the teleological language which they employ as freely as though they were disciples, not of Darwin, but of Paley. Presumably””
About This Quote
Source Article: “Darwin and Teleology,” 1999
Critiques Darwinists for using purpose‑driven language despite lack of reconciliation with theory.
In simple terms: Darwinists mix purpose language with theory.
Key Takeaway
Clarify language in scientific discourse.
Themes
science
language
philosophy
Mood
analytical
skeptical
Type
philosophical
critical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- science communication
Key Concepts
epistemology
evolutionary biology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape scientific understanding?
- Can purpose language be useful in science?
A Different Perspective
Teleological language may oversimplify complex processes.
![“Perhaps no order of mammals presents us with so extraordinary a series of gradations as this [step by step, from humans to apes to monkeys to lemurs] - leading us insensibly from the crown and summit of the animal creation down to creatures, from which there is but a step, as it seems, to the…” quote by Thomas Huxley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f0b/thomas-huxley-1183_animal_perhaps-no-order-of-mammals-presents-us_3051.jpg)
