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America Quote by Kurt Vonnegut

“After the thing went off, after it was a sure thing that America could wipe out a city with just one bomb, a scientist turned to Father and said, 'Science has now known sin.' And do you know what Father said? He said, 'What is sin?” quote by Kurt Vonnegut
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“After the thing went off, after it was a sure thing that America could wipe out a city with just one bomb, a scientist turned to Father and said, 'Science has now known sin.' And do you know what Father said? He said, 'What is sin?”

Kurt Vonnegut

About This Quote

Source Short Story: The Scientist and the Father, 1965

Science admits sin; the father asks, “What is sin?”

In simple terms: Science claims sin, but the father questions its meaning.

Key Takeaway

Question definitions before moral judgments.

Themes

ethics science philosophy

Mood

thoughtful inquisitive

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • policy making
  • personal belief

Key Concepts

morality knowledge

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we define sin in modern context?
  • What role should science play in ethics?
A Different Perspective

Science may oversimplify complex moral concepts.

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