Science exists, moreover, only as a journey toward troth. Stifle dissent and you end that journey.
John Charles PolanyiRead
Instead, in the absence of respect for human rights, science and its offspring technology have been used in this century as brutal instruments for oppression.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes that without respect for human rights, science and technology can become tools of oppression.
John Charles Polanyi's quote warns us that the advancement of science and technology carries a dual potential; while it can lead to progress and improvement, it can also be misused as instruments of control and suppression when not grounded in respect for human rights. This highlights the ethical responsibilities that accompany scientific discoveries and technological innovations and serves as a reminder that humanity must protect its core values to avoid tyranny through scientific advancement.
Themes
Human RightsScienceTechnologyOppressionEthical Responsibility
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of human rights.
More from John Charles Polanyi
All quotes βReality is no less precious if it presents itself to someone else. All are discoverers, and if we disenfranchise any, all suffer.
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Science is an enterprise that can only flourish if it puts the truth ahead of nationality, ethnicity, class and color.
John Charles PolanyiRead
Authority in science exists to be questioned, since heresy is the spring from which new ideas flow.
John Charles PolanyiRead
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