--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I know some very intelligent…" description: "\"“I know some very intelligent philosophers, not at all dogmatic, who believe that “science” cannot introduce the concept of finality in the analysis an..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b3/jean-piaget-4336_biology_i-know-some-very-intelligent-philosopher_295241.jpg" --- # I know some very intelligent philosophers, not at all… ![“I know some very intelligent philosophers, not at all dogmatic, who believe that “science” cannot introduce the concept of finality in the analysis and explanation of vital processes, but that “philosophy” equally cannot arrive at an adequate concept of organic life without introducing finality…” quote by Jean Piaget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b3/jean-piaget-4336_biology_i-know-some-very-intelligent-philosopher_295241.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b3/jean-piaget-4336_biology_i-know-some-very-intelligent-philosopher_295241.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2b3/jean-piaget-4336_biology_i-know-some-very-intelligent-philosopher_295241.jpg) > ““I know some very intelligent philosophers, not at all dogmatic, who believe that “science” cannot introduce the concept of finality in the analysis and explanation of vital processes, but that “philosophy” equally cannot arrive at an adequate concept of organic life without introducing finality. It is not a question here of moral or other values, but rather of a concept peculiar to philosophical biology as opposed to biology. Indeed, one such philosopher concluded, drawing inspiration from Merleau-Ponty, that science can “never” give an adequate explanation of the concept of the “whole structure” of the organism.”” [Jean Piaget](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-piaget/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Science explains mechanisms while philosophy seeks purpose, yet both lack a full account of organismal wholeness. **In simple terms:** Science and philosophy each miss the whole picture of life. Key Takeaway Integrate scientific and philosophical perspectives for deeper biological insight. Themes philosophy biology science holism Mood reflective inquisitive Type analytical philosophical When to use this quote - research design - interdisciplinary studies - education curricula - public policy debates Key Concepts finality organic life whole structure Questions to Reflect On - How can we bridge empirical data with existential meaning? - What limits do we face when seeking a "whole structure" explanation? A Different Perspective Science may never fully capture emergent properties; philosophy may impose unfounded teleology. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Biology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/biology/) [Life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/life/) [Organic life](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/organic-life/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) ## Related quotes > [Thus the will to power strives towards oppositions, towards displeasure. 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