--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: People are not relativistic when it comes…" description: "\"“People are not relativistic when it comes to matters of science, engineering, and technology; rather, they are relativistic and pluralistic in matters..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9ad/nancy-pearcey-3368_doubt_people-are-not-relativistic-when-it-come_103012.jpg" --- # People are not relativistic when it comes to matters of… ![“People are not relativistic when it comes to matters of science, engineering, and technology; rather, they are relativistic and pluralistic in matters of religion and ethics.” 37 In short, they apply their postmodern skepticism selectively” quote by Nancy Pearcey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9ad/nancy-pearcey-3368_doubt_people-are-not-relativistic-when-it-come_103012.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9ad/nancy-pearcey-3368_doubt_people-are-not-relativistic-when-it-come_103012.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/9ad/nancy-pearcey-3368_doubt_people-are-not-relativistic-when-it-come_103012.jpg) > ““People are not relativistic when it comes to matters of science, engineering, and technology; rather, they are relativistic and pluralistic in matters of religion and ethics.” 37 In short, they apply their postmodern skepticism selectively”” [Nancy Pearcey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-pearcey/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. People tend to apply relativistic, pluralistic thinking to religion and ethics, yet hold absolute standards for science, engineering, and technology. **In simple terms:** Science is absolute; religion/ethics are seen as relative. Key Takeaway Selective relativism. Themes philosophy of science religion ethics relativism Mood analytical skeptical Type philosophical critique cultural observation When to use this quote - debates on climate change policy - discussions on AI ethics - religious freedom lawsuits - public trust in scientific institutions - media framing of scientific vs. moral issues Key Concepts epistemology postmodern critique Practical Applications - Encourage critical thinking that applies consistent standards across domains - Facilitate dialogues that expose hidden biases Questions to Reflect On - Why do we treat scientific claims differently from moral claims? - Can a unified epistemic framework reconcile these differences? A Different Perspective Some argue that scientific knowledge itself is provisional and thus inherently relativistic, challenging the claim of absolute certainty. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Doubt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/doubt/) [Philosophy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/philosophy/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Science](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/science/) [Technology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/technology/) ## Related quotes > [There's practically no religion that I know of that sees other people in a way that affirms the others' choices. 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