Existence Quote by Gabriel Marcel
““The key to the scientist's purpose is the idea that every phenomenon is the product of a certain given set of condition. In his laboratory he hopes to reconstitute the set of conditions, however complex they may be, which, once they are fully reconstituted, cannot fail to give rise to the phenomenon he is after, life. In other words he seeks to start off a mechanically fated chain-reaction; and of course, in enumerating the conditions that have made it possible for him to manufacture his phenomenon he systematically discounts the huge mental toils, the plodding, methodical research, of himself and others. Thus, by a singular contradiction, he succeeds in convincing himself and, of course, attempts to persuade others, that he has arrived at the origin of his phenomenon; he sets out to demonstrate that everything in the universe runs perfectly smoothly by itself, without any creative power at anytime intruding.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Philosophy of Existence by Gabriel Marcel, 1950
The scientist tries to recreate exact conditions that produce a phenomenon, ignoring the messy, creative work behind it, and claims the result is self‑originating.
In simple terms: Scientists often simplify complex reality to claim a phenomenon is self‑causing.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the hidden labor behind discoveries.
Themes
science
philosophy
reductionism
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
explanatory
philosophical
When to use this quote
- laboratory research
- theoretical modeling
- public communication of science
Key Concepts
causality
methodology
illusion of simplicity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does simplifying complexity affect scientific credibility?
- What responsibilities do scientists have to acknowledge collaborative effort?
A Different Perspective
Such reductionism can mislead about the role of creativity and collaboration.
