Appeals Quote by Sam Harris
“Water is two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. What if someone says, “Well, that’s not how I choose to think about water.”? All we can do is appeal to scientific values. And if he doesn’t share those values, the conversation is over. If someone doesn’t value evidence, what evidence are you going to provide to prove they should value it? If someone doesn’t value logic, what logical argument could you provide to show the importance of logic?”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The Moral Landscape, 2010
When evidence and logic are dismissed, persuasion fails; shared values are prerequisite for rational dialogue.
In simple terms: Without shared values, facts won’t persuade.
Key Takeaway
Find common ground before presenting data.
Themes
philosophy
science
communication
Mood
thoughtful
critical
Type
persuasive
reflective
When to use this quote
- public debate
- science education
- political discussion
- media interviews
Key Concepts
epistemology
rational discourse
value pluralism
Questions to Reflect On
- What values do you share with your audience?
- How can you bridge value gaps?
A Different Perspective
Assumes values can be aligned easily.
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