Agreement Quote by Richard Carrier
“It is probably true that almost all atheists stand for the values of reason and freethought. I will attempt to put these values in more substantial terms. There is the belief that inquiry and doubt are essential checks against deception, self deception, and error. There is the belief that logic and the scientific method is the only way the world can arrive at an agreement on the truth about anything.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Reason, Faith, and Revolution by Richard Carrier, 2015
Reason and freethought are presented as the foundation of truth, relying on inquiry, doubt, logic, and scientific method to guard against deception.
In simple terms: Reason and science protect against error.
Key Takeaway
Embrace critical thinking and scientific inquiry.
Themes
reason
science
skepticism
truth
inquiry
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- academic debate
- policy making
- education
- personal belief formation
- media analysis
Key Concepts
epistemology
critical thinking
philosophy of science
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance rational inquiry with emotional intuition?
- What limits exist for scientific method in everyday life?
A Different Perspective
Science alone cannot resolve all moral or existential questions.
![“[The aim of science is] to explain what so far has taken to be an explicans, such as a law of nature. The task of empirical science constantly renews itself. We may go on forever, proceeding to explanations of a higher and higher universality...” quote by Karl Popper](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f4e/karl-popper-2167_aim_the-aim-of-science-is-to-explain-what-so_121944.jpg)
![“To demarcate [words in way that changes the meaning] is simply to speak a different language than everyone else. And I do not accept semantic games like that. [...] We need to use words as they are actually used and understood. We can correct errors and inconsistencies and make distinctions. But…” quote by Richard Carrier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b43/richard-carrier-39276_accepting_to-demarcate-words-in-way-that-changes-t_2685809.jpg)
