Science Quote by Thomas Piketty
““Social scientific research is and always will be tentative and imperfect. It does not claim to transform economics, sociology, and history into exact sciences. But by patiently searching for facts and patterns and calmly analyzing the economic, social, and political mechanisms that might explain them, it can inform democratic debate and focus attention on the right questions. It can help to redefine the terms of debate, unmask certain preconceived or fraudulent notions, and subject all positions to constant critical scrutiny. In my view, this is the role that intellectuals, including social scientists, should play, as citizens like any other but with the good fortune to have more time than others to devote themselves to study (and even to be paid for it—a signal privilege).””
About This Quote
Source Book: Capital and Ideology, 2020
Social science offers tentative, imperfect knowledge that can shape democratic debate and expose false assumptions.
In simple terms: Social science helps us question and improve society.
Key Takeaway
Use research to inform and challenge public discourse.
Themes
democracy
critical thinking
social science
policy
intellectual responsibility
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
explanatory
academic
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- academic research
- civic education
- media literacy
Key Concepts
methodology
skepticism
public discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- What mechanisms ensure research influences policy?
- How can citizens critically evaluate expert claims?
A Different Perspective
Research findings can be misused or ignored, limiting impact.
