Absurd Quote by Paul Davies
“People take it for granted that the physical world is both ordered and intelligible. The underlying order in nature - the laws of physics - are simply accepted as given, as brute facts. Nobody asks where they came from; at least not in polite company. However, even the most atheistic scientist accepts as an act of faith that the universe is not absurd, that there is a rational basis to physical existence manifested as law-like order in nature that is at least partly comprehensible to us. So science can proceed only if the scientist adopts an essentially theological worldview.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Mind of God by Paul Davies, 1992
Science assumes an ordered universe; even skeptics implicitly rely on a belief that reality is intelligible, which resembles a theological stance.
In simple terms: Science works because we trust the universe follows understandable laws.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the hidden assumptions in scientific inquiry.
Themes
science
philosophy
faith
epistemology
worldview
Mood
thoughtful
inquisitive
critical
Type
analysis
reflection
When to use this quote
- research
- education
- public policy
- personal belief
Key Concepts
Assumption of order
rationalism
theology of science
Questions to Reflect On
- Do scientists need to acknowledge their metaphysical assumptions?
- How does this affect scientific objectivity?
A Different Perspective
This view may blur lines between empirical evidence and faith.
![“The world of strict naturalism in which clever mathematical laws all by themselves bring the universe and life into existence, is pure [science] fiction. Theories and laws do not bring matter/energy into existence. The view that they nevertheless somehow have the capacity seems a rather desperate…” quote by John Lennox](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/71c/john-lennox-19396_alternatives_the-world-of-strict-naturalism-in-which_2446870.jpg)
