Causation Quote by William James
“Science must constantly be reminded that her purposes are not the only purposes and that the order of uniform causation which she has use for, and is therefore right in postulating, may be enveloped in a wider order, on which she has no claim at all.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: Pragmatism, 1907
Science should recognize its limits and that broader orders exist beyond its scope.
In simple terms: Science has limits; broader truths exist.
Respect interdisciplinary perspectives.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- research projects
- policy making
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What realms lie beyond scientific explanation?
- How can we integrate non‑scientific insights?
Science cannot answer all questions alone.