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The ethical ideas on which civilization rests have been wandering about the world, poverty-stricken and homeless. No theory of the universe has been advanced which can give them solid foundation; in fact not one has made its appearance which can claim for itself solidity and inner consistency. The age of philosophical dogmatism had come to an end, and after that nothing was recognized as truth except the science which described reality. Complete theories of the universe no longer appeared as fixed stars; they were regarded as resting on hypothesis, and ranked no higher than comets.

Albert Schweitzer#9

EthicsMoralityTruthCivilizationWorldviewDogmaScience

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About this quote

What does it mean?
Modern civilization lacks a solid ethical foundation because traditional worldviews have been replaced by scientific descriptions that do not justify values.
In plain terms
Ethics have no strong foundation because science does not explain them.
What can you take from it?
Recognize the lack of a fixed moral foundation in modern thought.

Where it applies

  • ethical debates
  • scientific age
  • philosophical study

Putting it to work

  • question moral foundations
  • study ethics
  • critique dogmatism

Questions to consider

  • On what basis do you judge right from wrong?
  • Does science give enough moral guidance?

Another view

Science can provide constraints for ethics even if it does not dictate them.

More from Albert Schweitzer

  1. The quiet conscience is an invention of the devil.

    Permalink to quote #8

  2. Awakening of Western thought will not be complete until that thought steps outside itself and comes to an understanding with the search for a world-view as thi…

    Permalink to quote #10

  3. Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.

    Permalink to quote #7

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