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Ever since the Enlightenment, people thought that we were living in a rational universe. They thought that God was a mathematician and that the function of the scientist was to figure out the mathematical rules whereby the universe was created.
Eric Kandel
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the belief that the universe operates according to logical and mathematical principles, suggesting a divine rationality behind existence.

Eric Kandel's quote highlights a significant shift in human thought that began during the Enlightenment, where the universe was perceived as governed by rational laws, often attributed to a mathematical creator. This notion suggests that science's role is to uncover the intricate mathematical principles behind the creation and functioning of the universe, framing humanity's quest for knowledge as both an intellectual and spiritual pursuit.

Themes

EnlightenmentRationalityUniverseMathematicsScience

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture on the philosophy of science, one might quote this to discuss the historical perspective on rationality in the universe.

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