Ideas don't desert you; ideas aren't treasonous to you, but people can be.
Alan DershowitzRead
Scientists search for truth. Philosophers search for morality. A criminal trial searches for only one result: proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote distinguishes the objectives of different fields: science, philosophy, and law.
Alan Dershowitz highlights the contrast between the aims of scientists, philosophers, and the legal system. While scientists pursue empirical truths and philosophers explore ethical principles, the legal arena focuses narrowly on establishing guilt based on sufficient evidence, marked by the standard of 'proof beyond a reasonable doubt.' This reflects the complexities and different priorities inherent in the quest for knowledge, morality, and justice.
Themes
TruthMoralityLawSciencePhilosophyJustice
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate about the role of evidence in criminal justice, this quote can emphasize the unique focus of law.
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Alan DershowitzRead
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