Exploring Quote by Jeff VanderMeer
“It should be totally fine to question the objectivity of scientists and the power structures in scientific institutions. The physical laws of the universe are objective, but human beings in any context are not. That includes with regard to science. To some extent, the supposed objectivity of science has given a lot of extra cover to very subjective and eccentric approaches to exploring aspects of ourselves and the universe around us.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Book of Strange New Things, 2015
Questioning scientific objectivity reveals that while physical laws are objective, human contexts and scientific institutions are not, allowing subjective biases.
In simple terms: Science is objective, but scientists are not.
Key Takeaway
Critically assess scientific claims.
Themes
science
objectivity
bias
Mood
inquisitive
critical
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- research evaluation
- policy making
- education curricula
Key Concepts
epistemology
power structures
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate objective facts from subjective influence?
- What safeguards can reduce bias in science?
A Different Perspective
Science can be misused to legitimize bias.
![“[In geology,] As in history, the material in hand remains silent if no questions are asked. The nature of these questions depends on the "school" to which the geologist belongs and on the objectivity of his investigations. Hans Cloos called this way of interrogation "the dialogue with the earth,"…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8a7/anonymous-1_communication_in-geology-as-in-history-the-material-in_22470.jpg)
