“Science can only ascertain what is, but not what should be, and outside of its domain value, elly judgments of all kinds remain necessary.”
Share this quote
Probable attribution
A source trail connects this quotation to Albert Einstein and The Evolution of Physics: From Early Concepts to Relativity and Quanta, but the exact English wording has not been confirmed in a primary text. The attribution is therefore probable rather than definitive.
Likely origin: The Evolution of Physics: From Early Concepts to Relativity and Quanta
About this quote
This page records the wording "Science can only ascertain what is, but not what should…," which centers on science, ascertain, outside. A concrete trail points toward Einstein, but the exact English form remains unconfirmed; the page therefore labels it as attributed to him while preserving its science and motivation context.
When to use it
- Use "Science can only ascertain what is, but not what should…" in a science discussion, then ask which concrete claim the wording makes.
- Compare its treatment of science with ascertain in a lesson, essay, or editorial note before drawing a conclusion.
- Before sharing it as Einstein's exact words, display the attribution caveat and follow the evidence link recorded on the page.