If science doesn't know all the answers, and their accepted answers are subject to change?

Question

through extensive study and new information...

Why would someone believe in science?

I understand that science is important for understanding how things like electronics and medicine work, but why do people believe science can answer their deep questions of life? Doesn't everyone want to be loved and accepted, have good things and be happy? I don't think science can do that for us. Your thoughts?

Phil, I was trying to be polite and not allow my question to lead into indoctrination. I think everyone needs to come to terms with their idea of God and life on their own. I was merely asking why some people "believe" in science when it is merely the objective facts and not the subjective reality of an individual.

Answer 1

Your question has the answer! It is when we think we have all the answers and that those answers are absolute that we have taken a truely dark and narrow path.

Don't be afraid of not knowing. Not knowing opens the door to enquiry, journey, evolution! When you fall in love do you know everything? Do you not have some fears and sense of entering a new phase of your life journey? Does uncertainty make love less or more than what it is? NO! It makes us appreciate it more realising how precious it really is! The same is true of science, and when science strives to understand attraction and emotions...nothing is lost!

I'll give an example. Science tells us that we are generally, attracted to someone based on our differences in genetic material. This helps us to see that some of our cultural beliefs, which also influence us, inhibit natural selection. Racism is actually bad for our species in more ways than one! LOL! I find that one particularly wonderful!

Learn to love yourself, really love yourselves everyone, and you will love others.

Science, mystery, the devine...I find no conflict between them. Why either or? You are hiding your real question? Are you not really asking why people are Athiests?Do you not understand that Athiests love as deeply and profoundly as you do?What lies have you been listening to? LOL! Clarfy yur question sweety. Scientists love as deeply and profoundly as anyone else! Clarify what it is you are looking for and have the courage to come out with it!

Buddhism was one of the first studies of the mind. Certain forms of other ancient religions have an incredible amount of science in them also! The Druids, were astronomers and herbalists amoung other things and there are many others.

Christianity has destroyed the concept of studying nature and learning from nature as part of a spiritual practice. That stuff was most definately early science. This is historically documented. Todya it is coming back! I believe it is that connection that will bring humanity to a higher level of appreciation and understanding over all. It is the seperation that also lessons the conscience of science in certain quaters. This only serves to support what I am saying.

So you see, you are creating seperation where there is none by nature. Research physics is and incredibly spiritual area! Sunman, I agree with you! I have listened to Physisists speaking in lectures. One of if not 'the' most, inspiring and spiritual speakers I have ever heard was a Physisist speaking about his research! Extrodinary!

Dialogue not indoctrination speakes of respect for others!

Peace and understanding!

Thank you for your question.

Answer 2

You are correct in pointing out the fact that the prevalent thought in today's culture is to explain all aspects of life and existence in terms of scientific terminology and thought.

Additionally, it is very true that science only examines the surface of being. It can measure the amount of energy in the brain and the part of the brain which is active during certain thought processes.

However, science cannot know what specifically a person is thinking at any given time. Scientists can only use interpretation, or questioning, to attempt to decipher that aspect of human consciousness.

So, we need to be aware of and analyze the three basic aspects of the understanding of human existence. Ken Wilber described it as the I, the We and the It, which corresponds to the Beautiful, the Good and the True of the ancient Greek philosophers.

In order to understand human existence, we must take into account the scientific or analytical side (the it), the consciousness side (the I) and the cultural side (the We).

Science is invaluable in the understanding of the physical aspects of our world. Culture must be considered when attempting to understand human interaction and the effects of morality and ethics. But, above all, human consciousness must be a vital part of any analysis of existence.

All three aspects are important and should be considered when contemplating the human gestalt.

Answer 3

I tend to agree. However, as far as the formal sciences are concerned, I believe the physicists have their hand on the door knob, so to speak. Especially the ones who are able to explore the nature of the reality of something from within its own framework.
These individuals are usually mystics with training in one or more of the modern sciences. To those few, the deeper questions of life ARE being answered. There are also many ways that are not considered scientific by mainstream society, and many use these as avenues for love, creativity and happiness. I consider myself as having a foot in both worlds.

Answer 4

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You're asking why people believe true stuff; why they believe objective facts, believe in reality. (Unfortunately, some of this language was in your Additional Details, and therefore not available in this screen.)

Why does it seem strange to you that people believe true things?

What's odd is that people believe in fantasies -- which, by definition aren't true.

Or do you mean "believe in" in the way that some people "believe in" god or gods -- worshiping science?

I know of no one, nor have ever heard of anyone who worships science, in the sense of, say, kneeling, or chanting to science in worship, or praying to it. That's just some idea you've come up with and are attributing to those who understand science and use it to explain our world.

Science's "not knowing all the answers" is irrelevant. Yes, some people make up an entity that they believe DOES know all the answers, but that doesn't make their made-up entity true or real.

The reason that scientific conclusions are subject to change is that they are based on reason and evidence.

As new evidence comes in, or as people reconceptualize the evidence, coming up with better ways of looking at things, then the stuff of science changes.

That isn't a bad thing, that's a good thing. It's why science today is better at explaining and accomplishing things than science 100 years ago. So, for example, although it can't answer the question "Should I have a kid?" it does help infertile couples actually have them.

You are mistaken in your belief that people think science addresses, say, ethics, or determines people's life choices.

No one but you thinks that.

People don't ask science to decide what I gather you call "deep questions of life" (such as how to live one's life).

Though what science has to say is relevant -- for example, most parents now have their children immunized, which is a decision they make based on both their love for their children and scientific information.

Science doesn't tell them that they should love their kids, but it does tell them how to prevent their kids from getting some diseases.

Although science brings joy, not only to those actively engaged in it, and those of us who like to learn about it, there is no sane person who thinks science can, for instance, bring one love, the way, say, mythical "love potions" are supposed to work.

You are the only person to have this silly idea.

You are assuming that all of these silly ideas you've come up with are what people who understand science think and feel.

We don't.

I'm not saying that you can't continue to worship your imaginary beings, just don't put words in the mouths of those who don't.

BTW, science isn't just for understanding how things like electronics and medicine work -- it's also about understanding how boulders and volcanoes work, how ecosystems work, how brains work, how the sun works, how water works.

By taking somewhat the same stance toward life (that is, evidence, reason, study, conceptualization -- rather than wishes and fantasies), a science-like approach to people has yielded very important and useful results.

Although those results don't decide for us the deep questions of life, the information we've gotten from studying humans helps us figure out how to get the things that make us happy, and keep us from harm, get us help when we need it, better educate our young, and a host of other worthwhile things.

Answer 5

Good Question!

I agree with you. Used to be a medic & dropped out when I realised the scientific community is not always the best equipped to solve the woes of the world.

Gave up on seeking / finding answers from them on anything very important.

Do appreciate the scientific 'method', though. Dispassionate & objective enquiry. Ethics. Broadly humanitarian concerns. Sharing of knowledge. Replicability.

A belief system / religion that's got that, has got it all.

Answer 6

Some people need a scientific reason for everything. Their belief system is based on the tangible, not faith. They are comfortable knowing that the answer is something you can see, hear, touch, etc.. They can be loved and accepted as far as that goes, by the people around them if they see proof, ie marraige, children, etc. . But science cannot prove love, that's an emotion and even the best scientist cannot explain why we feel the way we feel, unlike they can explain a rise in endorphins when you are in love, a physical side effect caused by emotion. My thoughts, are you as confused as i am now?

Answer 7

May I ask why you're comparing human emotions to science? Science can provide answers to questions regarding physical questions, and behaviors (cos you can observe them), but no one can put a rope around emotions. The two are mutually exclusive. The heart is just a muscle that circulates blood, but it can get hurt without being physically injured. Good question, very deep, but very difficult to compare the two.

Answer 8

Science is not about belief.
Science is about information.
Science is about seeking truth.
Science is about asking questions.

Religion is about belief.
Religion is about ignorance.
Religion is about refusing to see truth.
Religion is about not asking questions.

Neither religion nor science will make you loved or accepted. Neither religion nor science will make you happy.
Only you can do these things.
Religion, however, tells you that you can only be given these things by another.

Answer 9

Science is like the letter 'C'. Always there is a gap in understanding. that can not be filled up by human brain.

Answer 10

Science wants proof. You question alludes to accepting some religious dogma. Instead of asking a rhetorical question why don't you come straight out with what you really want to say?