Science Quote by James K.A. Smith
““The upshot is a hermeneutics of suspicion; if someone tells you that he or she has converted to unbelief because of science, don’t believe them. Because what’s usually captured the person is not scientific evidence per se, but the form of science: “Even where the conclusions of science seem to be doing the work of conversion, it is very often not the detailed findings so much as the form” (p. 362). Indeed, “the appeal of scientific materialism is not so much the cogency of its detailed findings as that of the underlying epistemological stance, and that for ethical reasons. It is seen as the stance of maturity, of courage, of manliness, over against childish fears and sentimentality” (p. 365).””
About This Quote
Source Book: Who Needs Religion? by James K.A. Smith, 2012
The quote argues that people often reject belief not because of scientific data but because the style and cultural authority of science appeal to notions of maturity and courage, making scientific materialism attractive beyond its factual content.
In simple terms: People are drawn to science for its image, not just its facts.
Key Takeaway
Question the cultural prestige of science when evaluating beliefs.
Themes
philosophy
epistemology
science and religion
identity
authority
Mood
skeptical
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- personal belief crises
- public discourse on science
- education curricula
Key Concepts
scientific materialism
hermeneutics of suspicion
epistemological stance
ethical appeal
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the presentation of science affect belief formation?
- Can we separate scientific facts from their cultural symbolism?
A Different Perspective
The appeal of science can be manipulated to reinforce power structures.
