Accepting Quote by Michel Foucault
“You know the difference between a real science and a pseudoscience? A real science recognizes and accepts its own history without feeling attacked. When you tell a psychiatrist his mental institution came from a lazar house, he becomes infuriated.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Order of Things, Michel Foucault, 1966
A true science embraces its own history and critiques without feeling defensive, unlike pseudoscience which avoids self‑scrutiny.
In simple terms: Science should accept its past and critique it.
Embrace critical self‑reflection.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy development
- public discourse
- education reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How does acknowledging past mistakes strengthen a discipline?
- What barriers prevent scientists from confronting their history?
Self‑critique can be resisted by entrenched interests.