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Evolution Quote by Jonathan Haidt

“I find it ironic that liberals generally embrace Darwin and reject “intelligent design” as the explanation for design and adaptation in the natural world, but they don’t embrace Adam Smith as the explanation for design and adaptation in the economic world. They sometimes prefer the “intelligent…” quote by Jonathan Haidt
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““I find it ironic that liberals generally embrace Darwin and reject “intelligent design” as the explanation for design and adaptation in the natural world, but they don’t embrace Adam Smith as the explanation for design and adaptation in the economic world. They sometimes prefer the “intelligent design” of socialist economies, which often ends in disaster from a utilitarian point of view.68 YANG””

Jonathan Haidt

About This Quote

Source Article: The New York Times, 2020

Liberals accept evolutionary theory for biology but reject economic analogues, revealing inconsistency in embracing design concepts.

In simple terms: People apply science selectively.

Key Takeaway

Challenge selective reasoning.

Themes

philosophy politics science economics

Mood

critical inquisitive reflective

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • debate forums
  • policy discussion
  • academic coursework
  • public commentary

Key Concepts

cognitive bias ideological inconsistency

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does ideology shape acceptance of theories?
  • Can economic models be truly 'designed'?
A Different Perspective

The argument may conflate scientific and moral domains.

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