Appraisal Quote by Sam Harris
“When considering the truth of a proposition, one is either engaged in an honest appraisal of the evidence and logical arguments, or one isn't. Religion is one area of our lives where people imagine that some other standard of intellectual integrity applies.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The End of Faith by Sam Harris, 2004
Evaluating truth requires honest evidence assessment; religious claims often invoke a different standard of intellectual integrity.
In simple terms: Truth needs honest evidence; religion may claim a separate standard.
Key Takeaway
Apply consistent critical thinking.
Themes
critical thinking
religion
intellectual honesty
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- debates
- personal belief
- academic research
Key Concepts
Epistemology
faith
bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate evidence standards?
- Can faith coexist with rigorous analysis?
A Different Perspective
Religious contexts may resist empirical scrutiny.
![“Moderates in every faith are obliged to loosely interpret (or simply ignore) much of their canons in the interests of living in the modern world. [...] The first thing to observe about the moderate’s retreat from scriptural literalism is that it draws its inspiration not from scripture but from…” quote by Sam Harris](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b44/sam-harris-457_bible_moderates-in-every-faith-are-obliged-to_6967.jpg)
