I like the scientific method of inquiry and investigation, and the use of experiments and tests to demonstrate truth and separate it from false ideas and concepts. As man makes progress through science, some theories become accepted and hold true with time. Others are proven wrong and replaced with better explanations and newer more accurate laws. Science is a wide-open field in which anyone can make a contribution and demonstrate what is fact and what is not.

One problem with science is its results are too easily accepted by too many people. For example, studies are done and their results are published. These are accepted as truth and acted upon by many individuals. It is not until negative feedback occurs from such implementation, or other studies are done that discredit the original ones, before original findings are set aside for something better or more accurate.

Be aware too that science has a way of defending itself. It wants to do this on its own playing field or on its own terms. This is simply not fair. For example, if there is a dispute between science and philosophy or religion, science will demand a demonstration or proof of a philosophical teaching or religious belief. This is like comparing apples and oranges. They are not the same commodities and they cannot be measured nor tested nor proven in the same way. So do not expect philosophy and religion, as well as other aspects of life, to compare with science on its terms alone.

Finally, we must remember that science is subject to outside influences. For example, funding is necessary to conduct most scientific experiments and pursue certain endeavors. This involves business goals and at times political favors and power. Sometimes governments are involved, as well as businesses and individuals. Even religious beliefs and cultural patterns can influence what is investigated through science and what is more easily accepted by people when scientific results are produced.

Moving on from the above ideas, it is only fair to recognize all the good things science has produced for us throughout the ages, especially in the last couple of centuries. Consider just the marvels of modern-day medicine. Who today does not like the advantages of these medical advancements compared to even a few decades ago? Look at how much our manufacturing efficiency has improved over the last century. One worker can do so much more today than he could in the past. This lowers the cost of manufactured goods and thus makes them more available to more people. Finally, look at the whole communications field. Think about cell phones, television, computers, and the Internet. It seems hard to believe that we got along without these things years ago. We must have been living back in the stone age when I was a child. Well, not really because the most important things of life really haven’t changed since then. Family, friends, employment, and fun were available in the past and do not need the latest technical advancement through science to survive in the future.

Overall science is a good thing. However, we must all recognize that it has limits. In essence science represents man dealing with his physical environment only. And I emphasize the word only. There are things we know about and experience, which we cannot fully understand and describe and utilize in our lives based solely on a physical description of what is going on. To illustrate this, consider some aspects of life that science does not affect directly. Ethics is a prime example. What ethical guidelines should be followed in scientific experiments? Science alone doesn’t give us an answer to this question. Science does not address the whole spiritual dimension of life, nor does it give answers to spiritual inquiry by human beings in all cultures and all generations. It can help solve crimes, but it doesn’t fully stop crime from being committed. It doesn’t necessarily strengthen the family including more marriage and less divorce, nor does it guarantee better parenting. It can tell people that certain illegal drugs are not good for the body, but it doesn’t prevent people from using these drugs and causing many problems in the process. The whole area of economics and trade and the marketplace has rules and affairs not governed by science.

If you want to really understand science, you must put it in its proper perspective. It is an important aspect of life that provides us with many benefits. But it doesn’t give us the entire picture. In other words there are things going on outside of science which do affect us. And science cannot fully address these other factors and issues. It is merely one factor among many which should be considered when people strive to live and improve and cooperate to solve common problems. Science must play a humble role and recognize that it is part of the show, not the whole show. Those individuals who place too much emphasis on science for answers and good guidance and direction in life are making a big mistake. They leave themselves more philosophically empty and less connected to the people around them. Ultimately, they make more mistakes in judgment and are not as good of a person in character and spirituality.

Centuries ago people were born and people died. They got married and had children. They had to work and face adversity, and hoped to survive through adulthood. Life was simpler, but harder. They prayed to God for answers and help, and people today do the same thing. These previous generations faced the same challenges we do today. Everyone must strive to do the best they can with what they have been given in their time period, their culture, and their circumstances. This applies to all individuals, groups and nations. In essence, someone working the fields in ancient Egypt would be a computer engineer today if he lived now. If the computer engineer today lived in ancient Egypt, he would be working the fields. We are not inherently more intelligent beings than our ancestors. We have been blessed with more human progress and are responsible for how we use that progress to benefit ourselves and others.

As you live your life, utilize the best aspects of science to assist you in running it in an effective and efficient manner. Let science provide you with some conveniences and comfort. Let it save you time and open doors of learning. But do not ask it to do what it can’t. You must solve your marital disputes. All the knowledge available about good foods to eat doesn’t help you until you make the effort to eat a proper diet. Modern day conveniences can save you time, but if you merely waste the time saved, what have you really gained? You can communicate with someone across the world, but science doesn’t stop you from using crude and inappropriate language in doing this. As these examples illustrate, let science be science and play its proper role in society and your life. But other sources of help and knowledge should be utilized also. Be a well-rounded individual who draws upon many types of knowledge and truth to guide you in daily living.

I challenge you to make personal improvements in your life based on the latest information that science can provide, as well as information and practices from many other fields of endeavor and study. These include the arts, music, philosophy and true religion. Utilize the social sciences, as well as the physical sciences. Learn about people, and do your best to understand and respect them.

In summary, I like and appreciate science. However it is only part of my life. I do not worship science, nor let it become one of the gods in my life that shapes my personal philosophy. In contrast, science is used to help and serve me. I have a true God to worship.

YOUR OPINION - Let us know if you liked this article, and whether you agree or disagree with it? Provide your comments here .

Click here to return to the top.

Copyright  2008     Leland Pulley