Thank you for visiting SNEWPapers!
Sign up free
Editorial
August 21, 1934
The Key West Citizen
Key West, Monroe County, Florida
What is this article about?
The editorial extols scientists' disinterested, open-minded pursuit of truth, free from prejudice or self-interest, as the driver of human progress, quoting Chief Justice Hughes on valuing knowledge and discarding outdated theories.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
SEEKING THE TRUTH
It can hardly be denied that, with a disinterestedness not matched by any other class, the true scientist approaches every problem with an open mind, unfettered by prejudice.
He has no ancient beliefs or superstitions to defend, no special cause to plead, no selfish interest to advance. He tries at all times to define, so far as is humanly possible, the dividing line between fact and theory, although he deals with both.
New theories are given respectful examination and if they can be proved they are assigned their places in the categories of fact. And when the scientific world in general reaches an agreement in any matter, it is the best possible evidence of its truth.
In an address before a scientific association some time ago, Chief Justice Hughes said:
"We need your interest in knowledge for its own sake: your ceaseless search for truth: your willingness to discard every disproved theory, however honored by tradition, while you jealously conserve every grain of the past."
While the scientific investigator, as a rule, receives meager material rewards in return for his services to mankind, all progress, both material and intellectual, has been primarily due to his labors.
Without the leadership of inquisitive, investigating and indomitable minds, we should not have advanced far beyond the standards of the cave man.
It can hardly be denied that, with a disinterestedness not matched by any other class, the true scientist approaches every problem with an open mind, unfettered by prejudice.
He has no ancient beliefs or superstitions to defend, no special cause to plead, no selfish interest to advance. He tries at all times to define, so far as is humanly possible, the dividing line between fact and theory, although he deals with both.
New theories are given respectful examination and if they can be proved they are assigned their places in the categories of fact. And when the scientific world in general reaches an agreement in any matter, it is the best possible evidence of its truth.
In an address before a scientific association some time ago, Chief Justice Hughes said:
"We need your interest in knowledge for its own sake: your ceaseless search for truth: your willingness to discard every disproved theory, however honored by tradition, while you jealously conserve every grain of the past."
While the scientific investigator, as a rule, receives meager material rewards in return for his services to mankind, all progress, both material and intellectual, has been primarily due to his labors.
Without the leadership of inquisitive, investigating and indomitable minds, we should not have advanced far beyond the standards of the cave man.
What sub-type of article is it?
Science Or Medicine
What keywords are associated?
Scientific Method
Truth Seeking
Scientific Progress
Unbiased Inquiry
Chief Justice Hughes
What entities or persons were involved?
Chief Justice Hughes
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Praise Of Scientific Pursuit Of Truth
Stance / Tone
Admiring Scientists' Unbiased Approach
Key Figures
Chief Justice Hughes
Key Arguments
Scientists Approach Problems With Open Mind Unfettered By Prejudice
No Ancient Beliefs Or Selfish Interests To Defend
Define Line Between Fact And Theory
New Theories Examined Respectfully And Proved As Fact
Scientific Agreement As Evidence Of Truth
Quote From Chief Justice Hughes On Search For Truth And Discarding Disproved Theories
Scientific Labors Drive Material And Intellectual Progress
Without Scientists Humanity Would Remain At Cave Man Level