Accounts Quote by Etienne Gilson
“Why are there organized beings? Why is there something rather than nothing? Here again, I fully understand a scientist who refuses to ask it. He is welcome to tell me that the question does not make sense. Scientifically speaking, it does not. Metaphysically speaking, however, it does. Science can account for many things in the world; it may some day account for all that which the world of phenomena actually is. But why anything at all is, or exists, science knows not, precisely because it cannot even ask the question.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Philosophy of the Christian Worldview by Etienne Gilson, 1948
The quote distinguishes scientific limits from metaphysical inquiry, asserting that while science cannot answer why anything exists, metaphysics can address that fundamental question.
In simple terms: Science can’t explain why anything exists; metaphysics can.
Key Takeaway
Explore metaphysical questions beyond scientific scope.
Themes
existence
science
metaphysics
philosophy
meaning
Mood
inquisitive
reflective
philosophical
Type
philosophical
theoretical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- academic study
- spiritual contemplation
- philosophical debate
- teaching
Key Concepts
ontological inquiry
limits of science
fundamental questions
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to ask why anything exists?
- Can metaphysics provide practical guidance?
A Different Perspective
Metaphysical inquiry may lack empirical proof, leading to speculation.
![“Why are there beings at all instead of nothing? That is the question. Presumably it is not arbitrary question, "Why are there beings at all instead of nothing"- this is obviously the first of all questions. Of course it is not the first question in the chronological sense [...] And yet, we are…” quote by Martin Heidegger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4ea/martin-heidegger-2144_arbitrary_why-are-there-beings-at-all-instead-of-n_1678478.jpg)
