34 Quotes by Pervez Hoodbhoy

Even the elites in developing countries know nothing about the development of calculus or electromagnetism and why, without these theoretical tools, the modern products of science would have been impossible. Indeed, appreciation and internalization of science cannot occur without the simultaneous development of a rational, modern and egalitarian system of education.

The belief that modern science is on its deathbed is nothing but a flight of wishful imagination. It provides solace to those who regard modern science as the source of evil in the world. But wishing death to the enemy seldom causes him to die. As a matter of fact, far from being a sputtering candle, modern science is today more vigorous, faster expanding, and more secure in its power and scope than it has ever been in the past

But it is only a mature society which can possess intellectual and religious tolerance, and which can provide basic liberties to its citizens.

It is somewhat paradoxical that AI-Ghazzali spearheaded the attack against free-thinkers and the proponents of logic, but in doing so had to use the weapon of his adversaries. Indeed, the stubborn ghost of Greek dialectics withstood exorcism by the greatest Asharite of all time.

A society oriented towards fatalism, or one in which an interventionist deity forms part of the matrix of causal connections, is bound to produce fewer individuals inclined to probe the unknown with the tools of science.

A nation which has no great philosophers will never have any great scientists. Heidegger says that the philosopher is a man who is always capable of wonder. This also characterizes the scientist. The utilitarian man is not capable of wonder. Hence, it is doubtful whether he can develop science

Objectivity is made possible because experiment and logical consistency are the sole arbiters of truth - of no consequence is the scientist's mood or moral character, his political beliefs or nationality. or even his status in the world of science. On this last point, consider, for example, that Einstein was never taken too seriously when he (wrongly) set out to criticize quantum mechanics - this in spite of the fact that he was acknowledged as the greatest living physicist of the time.

Civilization, as we know it today, is defined in large measure by science.

It is imperative to realize that Muslim culture is inextricably wedded to the past