Species evolve exactly as if they were adapting as best they could to a changing world, and not at all as if they were moving toward a set goal.
George Gaylord SimpsonRead
The science of systematics has long been affected by profound philosophical preconceptions, which have been all the more influential for being usually covert, even subconscious.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Scientific classification of organisms is influenced by deep-rooted philosophical beliefs that often go unnoticed.
This quote by George Gaylord Simpson emphasizes that the field of systematics, which is the science of classifying organisms, is not solely based on empirical evidence but is also shaped by underlying philosophical assumptions. These assumptions often operate at a subconscious level, affecting how scientists perceive and categorize life forms, thus highlighting the intricate relationship between science and philosophy.
Themes
SystematicsSciencePhilosophyClassificationBeliefs
In practice
Example use cases
In a seminar discussing the influence of philosophy on scientific research, this quote could vividly illustrate the point.
More from George Gaylord Simpson
All quotes βIf a sect does officially insist that its structure of belief demands that evolution be false, then no compromise is possible. An honest and competent biology teacher can only conclude that the sect's beliefs are wrong and that its religion is a false one.
George Gaylord SimpsonRead
Now we do have many examples of transitional sequences.
George Gaylord SimpsonRead
He is a state of matter, a form of life, a sort of animal, and a species of the Order Primates, akin nearly or remotely to all of life and indeed to all that is material.
George Gaylord SimpsonRead
Man is the result of a purposeless and materialistic process that did not have him in mind. He was not planned. He is a state of matter, a form of life, a sort of animal, and a species of the Order Primates, akin nearly or remotely to all of life and indeed to all that is material.
George Gaylord SimpsonRead
Man is the result of a purposeless and natural process that did not have him in mind
George Gaylord SimpsonRead
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