Absence Quote by John Charles Polanyi
“Instead, in the absence of respect for human rights, science and its offspring technology have been used in this century as brutal instruments for oppression.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Nobel Lecture, Chemistry, 1986
When human rights are ignored, science becomes a tool for oppression, highlighting ethical responsibility.
In simple terms: Lack of rights lets science be used cruelly.
Key Takeaway
Demand ethical oversight in science.
Themes
ethics
human rights
science
Mood
concerned
hopeful
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- policy making
- research funding
- technology development
- humanitarian work
Key Concepts
political philosophy
technology ethics
social justice
Questions to Reflect On
- How can scientists protect rights?
- What safeguards prevent misuse?
A Different Perspective
Scientific progress can still be positive with proper safeguards.
![“[Intellectual courage is] the quality that allows one to believe in one's judgement in the face of disappointment and widespread skepticism. Intellectual courage is even rarer than physical courage.” quote by John Charles Polanyi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/969/john-charles-polanyi-14475_believe_intellectual-courage-is-the-quality-that_291394.jpg)
