Friday, August 2, 2013

"Science" can't answer the important questions (Implication #2)

As a continuation of my initial argument and its initial implication, I posit a further corollary.

As eminent philosopher and generally successful human being, Dallas Willard, once said, There really is no such thing as Science; there are only sciences. And those various disciplines which constitute the generic field of "science" as a whole often do not agree with each other. People, therefore, who appeal to "science" in the abstract as some sort of nebulous entity capable of solving any riddle or explaining any phenomenon are either ignorant or disingenuous.

Now, don't get me wrong, this is not an anti-science diatribe. The sciences are superb and beautiful disciplines suited to wonderful purposes that, I believe, will extend forward into eternity as valuable avenues for engaging our universe. However, as interesting and elegant as the branches of scientific study are, they simply are not suited to answering questions concerning love, human significance, ethics, religion, or any other essential element of our daily conduct and personal relationships.

In fact, to ask the sciences to address such matters is not only misguided, but also unfair. Such misplaced expectations set up them up to fail and/or force them to give poor answers in order to preserve the undue sense of authority that has been blindly foisted upon them.

But enough about that; you can further explore the ideology of Scientism here or here or here.
On to the argument:

Premises:

1. The various sciences appropriately describe, measure, calculate, and theorize concerning the natural world and those laws, forces, and principles that govern it.

2. If one is to maintain the existence of rationality (and thus free will), then there is more to "the world" than the broad realms of physics and chemistry (i.e. the natural world).

3. Rational human beings, however, face paramount considerations of life and ethical conduct on a daily basis (e.g. how to treat one's children; what to buy; who to love; how to achieve happiness, etc.).

4. Such considerations demand reasoned responses that engage the human will.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the sciences cannot appropriately describe, measure, calculate and theorize concerning these paramount considerations.
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There are, no doubt, a few enthymemes lingering beneath the surface, but the thrust of this argument should be clear. If you want real answers to the really important aspects of your life, you must find somewhere else to turn besides science. Let scientists be scientists; let them do their job without burdening them with your own moral and intellectual responsibilities.






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