As far as my example(s),-world in flat-I would say it’s a broad stroke forsure. To me, that broad stroke should help me get my point accross to more people.

And I can agree that arrogance is universal.

Thank you for the reading material.

Matt

I am a little confused as to what your overall point is. From what I have gathered, I think you are saying that science is only important in how far it goes to provide convenience to human beings, however, science falls short of providing us with knowledge about our world and universe. In short, you are saying science is great for inventions and gadgets, but not for seeking out knowledge and truth. Then you go on to say that your real problem with science is not science at all but rather the arrogance of scientists. These are two very different things.

It seems to me that the arrogance argument can used against pretty much all religions as well, or anything for that matter. Is there one Christian sect that at one point has not attempted a prediction that Jesus was coming back by a certain time…? “we cannot know the day or the hour but we can certainly narrow it down to the week right?” How foolish they seem to us now. In fact assuming the end of the world is at hand has been the sustenance of Christianity since Jesus’ first time around on this earth. And how much arrogance has been found amongst the world’s religions? That is such a broad statement you make about the arrogance of scientists. Arrogance is a natural human trait not limited to one set of people. There have been amazing religious leaders and just flat out amazing religious folks who have changed the world through humility and love of life. However, there are also and have been many scientists who work unnoticed for the same end. Conversely, there are many who adopt arrogance as an approach to belittle anyone who may disagree, and this is found in all beliefs or non-belief systems out there.

I do not oppose “faith” and religion as many on this website do. I do not see religion as the root of all evil. However, I do firmly believe that scientific method is also the best approach that humans have developed for learning about our surroundings and ourselves. And the great thing about science is, exactly as you say, that “today’s scientists are tomorrow’s fools”. Science allows, and in fact exists, due to it’s self-correcting mechanisms. Science leaves room for new knowledge and growth and allows for us to appreciate what past scientists have done in the evolution of understanding but does not consider us “blasphemous” when we disregard the things they were incorrect about. Science is not perfect, nor was it meant to be, but it does encourage an undaunted pursuit of truth. Science puts a process in place. That process allows us to question and find answers, and to continue to improve the answers and ask new questions.

Furthermore, as I read through your postings I notice that you fling false and unbacked historical claims and arguments around and then never actually address these things when others ask you about them… (ie. the world is flat/round argument: “smart people taught the world was flat, but god revealed the truth that the world was round”). You would do well to have some sources and study history before making these claims. And if you would like to make a better argument about the limitations of reason I highly recommend that you read some of the existentialist philosophers and writers… (Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Albert Camus, Fyodor Dostoyevsky,). However, I warn you, they will not only lead you through a labyrinth of doubting and questioning about reason, they will also lead you through the depths of despair and leave you wondering about God as well. It is well worth it though.

Lastly, people use quotations for a number of reasons. I like to think of it is as a nice way to share thoughts and ideas. We are social beings and no one makes it through life without being influenced by the ideas of others. We all have much to teach and much to learn from each other. It is hardly ignorant to share a line or two of an author who has inspired you to think more critically or to live more fully.

I think it’s great that people study and advance the human race through science. It’s a noble persuit. Certainly, science is important. And figuring ways to keep people warm in the winter and cool in the summer is great as well.

My problem with science is found in the aragonites of it’s people. What we know today will look foolish to people in the next 100 years. ( my world in flat example). Or the science of “building a ship that will never sink-Titanic-.”

Further, I have notice a lot of people using quotes from others to try and prove thier point. Hippocrates, Suesan B. Anothy ect. Certaily Hippocrates was a great man. Certainly, he had his own opions about things. So his quote though cute, is inane in practice. And to suggest that offering an opion puts you in the class of ignorance is in it’s self ingnorant.

It is nice that you guys are trying.

“There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance.” ~ Hippocrates

If a higher being is proven to exist, should all scientific research stop? If a higher being is proven then we should probably just put all of our effort in trying to contact it and trying to get it to solve our problems, or at least give us the solutions to our problems.

You seem very certain of your belief in a higher being, so that is why I ask. And if you still feel scientific advance is important, why?

Science vs Religion I

Science vs Religion II

Science vs Religion III