Evidence Quote by Richard Dawkins
“Even if there were no actual evidence in favor of the Darwinian theory, we should still be justified in preferring it over all rival theories.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins, 2006
Even without definitive proof, Darwinian theory remains the most robust explanation, so it is rational to favor it over less supported alternatives.
In simple terms: Prefer the best‑supported theory despite lacking absolute proof.
Key Takeaway
Choose explanations with the strongest evidence.
Themes
science
reason
theory choice
skepticism
evidence
Mood
analytical
skeptical
inquisitive
Type
scientific
philosophical
When to use this quote
- academic research
- policy decisions
- education
- public discourse
Key Concepts
philosophy of science
probabilistic reasoning
falsifiability
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you handle uncertainty in scientific conclusions?
- What criteria determine a theory’s superiority?
A Different Perspective
Evidence may be incomplete, leading to overconfidence in current models.
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)