Biology Quote by Philip S. Skell
““I recently asked more than seventy eminent researchers if they would have done I their work differently if they had thought Darwin's theory was wrong. The responses were all the same: no. I also examined the outstanding biodiscoveries of the past century: the discovery of the double helix; the characterization of the ribosome: the mapping of genomes; research on medications and drug reactions: improvements in food production and sanitation; the development of new surgeries; and others. I even queried biologists working in areas where one would expect the Darwinian paradigm to have most benefited research, such as the emergence of resistance to antibiotics and pesticides. Here, as elsewhere, I found that Darwin's theory had provided no discernible guidance, but was brought in, after the breakthroughs, as an interesting narrative gloss.””
About This Quote
Darwin's theory provides narrative framing but little practical guidance for scientific breakthroughs.
In simple terms: Darwin's theory is more narrative than practical.
Key Takeaway
Recognize limits of theories in guiding research.
Themes
science
philosophy
theory
Mood
analytical
critical
Type
Biology:1
Darwin:1
Darwinism:1
Evolution:1
Food production:0
Macro-evolution:0
Macroevolution:0
Neo-darwinism:0
Science:1
Darwin Theory:1
Darwinian Paradigm:0
Expect Darwinian:0
Thought Darwin:0
Queried Biologists:0
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy making
Key Concepts
narrative framing
research guidance
Questions to Reflect On
- How to integrate theory and practice?
- What guides scientific discovery?
A Different Perspective
May undervalue theoretical frameworks.
![“[...] if truth be told, evolution hasn’t yielded many practical or commercial benefits. Yes, bacteria evolve drug resistance, and yes, we must take countermeasures, but beyond that there is not much to say. Evolution cannot help us predict what new vaccines to manufacture because microbes evolve…” quote by Jerry A. Coyne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/82a/jerry-a-coyne-13913_biology_if-truth-be-told-evolution-hasn-t-yielde_1623500.jpg)
