Meaning: The quote "All the most prominent Darwinists proclaim naturalistic philosophy when they think it safe to do so" by Phillip Johnson, an educator and prominent critic of Darwinian evolution, reflects a critical view of the naturalistic philosophy inherent in Darwinism. This quote suggests that proponents of Darwinian evolution often advocate for naturalistic philosophy, but only when they believe it is advantageous or uncontroversial to do so.

Phillip Johnson, a former law professor at the University of California, Berkeley, is best known for his influential critique of Darwinism and his advocacy for intelligent design. Johnson's work has been instrumental in shaping the intelligent design movement, which challenges the assumptions and implications of Darwinian evolution from a philosophical and scientific perspective.

In the context of this quote, "Darwinists" refers to scientists, scholars, and individuals who support the theory of evolution as proposed by Charles Darwin. The term "naturalistic philosophy" encompasses the belief that natural processes and explanations, rather than supernatural or divine intervention, can account for the diversity and complexity of life on Earth. This philosophical stance is a core tenet of Darwinism, as it posits that the mechanism of natural selection acting on random variations can explain the origin and development of species.

Johnson's assertion that Darwinists "proclaim naturalistic philosophy when they think it safe to do so" implies that there may be instances when proponents of Darwinian evolution strategically emphasize the naturalistic aspect of their philosophy. This could be due to the perceived social or cultural acceptance of naturalistic explanations in scientific discourse, or to avoid potential conflicts with religious or ideological viewpoints that challenge naturalism.

One interpretation of this quote is that Johnson is highlighting the selective or opportunistic nature of advocating for naturalistic philosophy within the realm of evolutionary theory. He may be suggesting that proponents of Darwinism strategically present naturalistic explanations as a means of gaining credibility or avoiding criticism, particularly in contexts where alternative perspectives, such as intelligent design or creationism, are actively contested.

From Johnson's perspective, this quote may serve to underscore his broader critique of the philosophical assumptions and biases that underpin Darwinian evolution, as well as the broader implications of naturalistic philosophy in shaping scientific narratives about the origin and development of life.

In considering the implications of this quote, it is important to recognize the complex interplay between scientific theories, philosophical frameworks, and societal attitudes. The relationship between Darwinism and naturalistic philosophy reflects the ongoing debate about the boundaries of science, the role of metaphysical assumptions in scientific inquiry, and the interface between science and religion.

The quote can be seen as a call to critically assess the philosophical foundations of scientific theories, including the degree to which naturalistic assumptions may influence the interpretation and acceptance of evolutionary concepts. It invites reflection on the potential impact of philosophical commitments on scientific discourse, and encourages a nuanced consideration of the broader cultural and intellectual context in which scientific ideas are formulated and disseminated.

In summary, Phillip Johnson's quote "All the most prominent Darwinists proclaim naturalistic philosophy when they think it safe to do so" encapsulates his critical perspective on the relationship between Darwinism and naturalistic philosophy. It prompts consideration of the strategic and selective nature of advocating for naturalistic explanations within the context of evolutionary theory, and invites reflection on the philosophical underpinnings of scientific narratives about the origin and development of life.