Edward Sapir Quotes

Science is nothing, but trained and organized common sense.

The true function of philosophy is to educate us in the principles of reasoning and not to put an end to further reasoning by the introduction of fixed conclusions.

I enjoy a good reasoned argument. I love the power of logic.

Science is not a substitute for common sense, but an extension of it.

Nothing requires a greater effort of thought than arguments to justify the rule of non-thought.

Philosophy has to be enquiring; it can take nothing on faith, and its methods are based not on the blind acceptance of authority, but on establishing truths by reason and argument.

I don't think the scientific method and the science fictional method are really analogous. The thing about them is that neither is really practiced very much, at least not consciously. But the fact that they are methodical does relate them.

Reason is the test of ridicule, not ridicule the test of truth.

A third ideal that has made its way in the modern world is reliance on reason, especially reason disciplined and enriched by modern science. An eternal basis of human intercommunication is reason.

Scientists and academics in particular focus on detail and the minutiae. When they talk to each other, they usually don't focus on the broad ideas; they don't focus on social interconnectedness. They focus on the task that they're doing.

The most important function of the university in an age of reason is to protect reason from itself.

If I read the word 'problematize' one more time, I'm going to vomit.

Mostly, I try to take a rational approach to life.

Philosophy likes to keen common sense on the run.

I'm against sloppy, emotional thinking.

One of my theme songs is that if you can't do it in a test tube, don't do it.

It doesn't stand up to huge intellectual scrutiny.

The habit of analysis has a tendency to wear away the feelings.

The specious figments of genius, and the erratic flights of philosophy, may excite our wonder, but they cannot stand the ordeal of scrutiny, or the Lydian touch of experiment.

I'm a pretty analytical guy, all right?

Italians think with their heads.

Some people spend their time reasoning and thinking out everything, and so anything that cannot be fully understood, they will not accept. We call these people 'intellectuals.'

The first thing you get from the humanities, when they're well taught, is critical thinking. Philosophy in particular can play that role, not just in universities but in schools as well.

Like all religions, Reason presents itself as the solution to the problems it has created

We can't avoid reasoning; we can only avoid doing it well.