Doe Quote by William Kingdon Clifford
“scientific thought does not mean thought about scientific subjects with long names. There are no scientific subjects. The subject of science is the human universe; that is to say, everything that is, or has been, or may be related to man.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Ethics of Belief, William K. Clifford, 1877
Science is the study of the whole human experience, not just specialized topics; it seeks universal understanding.
In simple terms: Science explores everything related to humanity.
Key Takeaway
Broaden your view of scientific inquiry.
Themes
philosophy
science
holism
Mood
thoughtful
intellectual
Type
philosophical
reflective
When to use this quote
- education
- research design
- interdisciplinary projects
- public policy
Key Concepts
Epistemology
humanism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “human universe” mean to you?
- How can you apply this broad view in your work?
A Different Perspective
Risk of vague definition limiting practical application.
![“Remember that [scientific thought] is the guide of action; that the truth which it arrives at is not that which we can ideally contemplate without error, but that which we may act upon without fear; and you cannot fail to see that scientific thought is not an accompaniment or condition of human…” quote by William Kingdon Clifford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5a3/william-kingdon-clifford-17148_action_remember-that-scientific-thought-is-the_2230855.jpg)
![“Newton supposed that the case of the planet was similar to that of [a ball spun around on the end of an elastic string]; that it was always pulled in the direction of the sun, and that this attraction or pulling of the sun produced the revolution of the planet, in the same way that the traction or…” quote by William Kingdon Clifford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/860/william-kingdon-clifford-17148_cause_newton-supposed-that-the-case-of-the-pla_381195.jpg)
