I know that it is a hopeless undertaking to debate about fundamental value judgements. For instance, if someone approves, as a goal, the extirpation of the human race from the earth, one cannot refute such a viewpoint on rational grounds. But if there is agreement on certain goals and values, one can argue rationally about the means by which these objectives may be obtained.
Interpretation
Debating fundamental values can be futile, but rational discussion is possible when there is agreement on goals.
In this quote, Einstein highlights the challenge of debating fundamental value judgments, as these are deeply personal and often subjective. He suggests that while it is impossible to rationally argue against certain extreme viewpoints, fruitful discussions can occur when there is a shared understanding of common goals and values, allowing for rational debate about the means to achieve those ends.
In practice
This quote can be used in a discussion about ethical dilemmas in philosophy classes.
I cannot then believe in this concept of an anthropomorphic God who has the powers of interfering with these natural laws. As I said before, the most beautiful and most profound religious emotion that we can experience is the sensation of the mystical. And this mysticality is the power of all true science.
If I would follow your advice and Jesus could perceive it, he, as a Jewish teacher, surely would not approve of such behavior.
I want to know all Gods thoughts; all the rest are just details.
In the middle of adversity there is great opportunity.
I do not believe that civilization will be wiped out in a war fought with the atomic bomb. Perhaps two-thirds of the people of the earth will be killed.
To me the worst thing seems to be a school principally to work with methods of fear, force and artificial authority. Such treatment destroys the sound sentiments, the sincerity and the self-confidence of pupils and produces a subservient subject.
Dying is nothing to fear. It can be the most wonderful experience of your life. It all depends on how you've lived.
God created the visible world so that, through its visible objects, men could understand his spiritual teachings and the marvels of his wisdom
..the United States is subject to the scrutiny of a candid world ... what the United States does, for good or for ill, continues to be watched by the international community, in particular by organizations concerned with the advancement of the rule of law and respect for human dignity.
Each day has a story to - deserves to be told, because we are made of stories. I mean, scientists say that human beings are made of atoms, but a little bird told me that we are also made of stories.
Everything in excess is opposed to nature.
In the name of certainty, the greatest crimes have been committed against humanity.
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