Achievement Quote by Paul Feyerabend
“Every profession has an ideology and a drive for power that goes far beyond its achievements and it is the task of democracy to keep this ideology and this drive under control. Science is here no different from other institutions.”
About This Quote
The quote warns that any field, including science, develops its own belief system and desire for influence that can exceed its practical output, and that democratic oversight is needed to restrain these tendencies.
In simple terms: Fields develop ideologies and power drives beyond their work.
Key Takeaway
Democracy must curb institutional overreach.
Themes
Power dynamics
Ideology
Democratic oversight
Institutional self‑interest
Science as institution
Mood
Critical
Cautious
Reflective
Type
Political
Philosophical
Skeptical
When to use this quote
- Policy making
- Research funding decisions
- Academic governance
- Public trust debates
- Science communication
Key Concepts
Ideology
Power
Democracy
Science
Practical Applications
- Designing checks on research agendas
- Ensuring transparent funding processes
Questions to Reflect On
- How can societies balance expertise with democratic control?
- What mechanisms best prevent institutional overreach?
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