Embarrassing Quote by Philip Pullman
“D'you know how embarrassing it is to mention good and evil in a scientific laboratory? Have you any idea? One of the reasons I became a scientist was not to have to think about that kind of thing.”
About This Quote
Source Novel: His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman, 1995
Science often avoids moral judgments, treating good and evil as irrelevant to empirical work.
In simple terms: Scientists may sidestep ethics in labs.
Key Takeaway
Recognize ethical dimensions in research.
Themes
ethics
science
morality
Mood
reflective
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- lab research
- policy making
- public communication
- education
- grant writing
Key Concepts
moral relativism
scientific objectivity
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance objectivity with ethical responsibility?
- What moral frameworks guide your research?
A Different Perspective
Science cannot fully escape moral implications.
![“I think-I need to ask an embarrassing question. Do you think I could borrow a pair of scrubs? I-uh-my pants-" "Oh!" Cried the poor nurse. "Yes. Absolutely. I'll be right back." [...] "Thanks," I mumbled. "I'll just change here. He's not looking at anything at the moment." I gestured toward Sam…” quote by Maggie Stiefvater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/cd6/maggie-stiefvater-76_curtains_i-think-i-need-to-ask-an-embarrassing-qu_8591.jpg)
