“Why are we here? Where do we come from? Traditionally, these are questions for philosophy, but philosophy is dead.”
- January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018
- British
- Theoretical physicist, science writer
- Announced the black hole singularity theorem and Hawking radiation, and contributed to the popularization of science with his book “Talking about the Universe”
Quote
“Why are we here? Where do we come from? Traditionally, these are questions for philosophy, but philosophy is dead.”
Explanation
In this provocative statement, Stephen Hawking asserts that the fundamental questions of existence and origin—”Why are we here?” and “Where do we come from?”—are no longer the exclusive domain of philosophy. Instead, Hawking claims that science has taken over the role of answering these questions. The phrase “philosophy is dead” suggests that, in his view, philosophy has become less relevant in providing answers to the deep questions about the universe and human existence because scientific advancements, particularly in cosmology and quantum physics, are now able to offer more concrete explanations.
Hawking’s dismissal of philosophy reflects his belief in the empirical power of science and its ability to explain the world through reason and evidence. Historically, questions about the origin of the universe, the nature of consciousness, and the existence of life were the focus of philosophical inquiry. Philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle explored these questions using logic, reasoning, and reflection. However, with the advent of modern physics—especially through theories such as Big Bang cosmology and evolutionary biology—scientists like Hawking argued that science had the tools to offer explanations previously left to philosophical speculation.
In modern times, this perspective raises debates about the roles of science and philosophy in understanding reality. While science provides increasingly precise and testable answers, many still argue that philosophy plays a crucial role in addressing the ethical, metaphysical, and existential dimensions of life. For instance, moral questions about artificial intelligence, free will, or the meaning of human life remain areas where philosophical thought is essential. Hawking’s quote underscores his belief in the supremacy of scientific inquiry, especially in answering questions about the cosmos and our place within it, but it also invites reflection on how science and philosophy may complement each other in our pursuit of understanding.
