The progress of science requires the growth of understanding in both directions, downward from the whole to the parts and upward from the parts to the whole. A reductionist philosophy, arbitrarily proclaiming that the growth of understanding must go only in one direction, makes no scientific sense. Indeed, dogmatic philosophical beliefs of any kind have no place in science.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Science needs understanding from parts to whole and vice versa; dogmatism has no place.
- In plain terms
- Science requires both top down and bottom up understanding.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid dogmatic views in scientific progress.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why is reductionism limiting?
- What is a balanced approach?
Another view
Philosophy can help frame scientific questions.
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