Absurdity Quote by Richard Lewontin
“We take the side of science in spite of the patent absurdity of some of its constructs, in spite of its failure to fulfill many of its extravagant promises of health and life, in spite of the tolerance of the scientific community for unsubstantiated just-so stories, because we have a prior commitment, a commitment to materialism... We cannot allow a Divine Foot in the door.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Future of Science, 2010
Advocates for science despite its flaws, emphasizing materialist commitment and rejecting divine influence.
In simple terms: Science is valuable even with imperfections.
Key Takeaway
Uphold scientific rigor over superstition.
Themes
science
materialism
skepticism
Mood
critical
defensive
Type
philosophical
analytical
When to use this quote
- policy debates
- education reform
- public health messaging
Key Concepts
philosophy
epistemology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance optimism with realistic expectations?
- What safeguards prevent unsubstantiated claims?
A Different Perspective
Science may overpromise and underdeliver, leading to public distrust.
