Quote by Jonathan Sacks

Science will explain how but not why. It talks about what is, not what ought to be. Science is descriptive, not prescriptive it can tell us about causes but it cannot tell us about purposes. Indeed, science disavows purposes.

Science will explain how but not why. It talks about what is

Summary

This quote highlights the limitations of science in that it can provide explanations for how things occur in the natural world, but it does not address the deeper questions of why things happen or what our purposes are. While science is adept at describing and understanding causal relationships, it stays away from normative judgments or prescribing what should be. In fact, science deliberately avoids discussing purposes, acknowledging that such inquiries fall outside its domain. Thus, this quote underscores the distinct boundaries and focus of scientific inquiry.

Topics

Science

By Jonathan Sacks

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