Is Science a religion?

[bkadoctaj]

Some scientists and "fans" and "believers" of Science seem to believe that it represents the utter perfection of mankind and existence. A true marvel. The true marvel. Well, Science is but one way of approaching the Truth. Artists who have never even heard of pH or pipettes can have just as profound an understanding of living. Let us not forget that all paths lead to Rome. Let's just be patient enough to let the other person say what he's got to before we cast judgment. And let us not take life from anything with a true sense of what life is worth.

[Key2gb]

i dont think so....Science and Religion are two different roads bound to intersect one day

i think people are religiously dedicated to science, but science itself is not a religion, at least the way i see it

[pbmike15]

Science is Fact.

Religion is Faith.

[Smokinscientist]

Sure, science can be a religion if you want it to.

The point of religion is to offer you an explanation of your world, so science fits that very well.

However, I would tend to group religion and science as two groups of "beliefs". Your beliefs are basically your personal interpretation of both science and religion.

[Smokinscientist]

I've also notice alot of the board here in gc seem to think science is absolute.

One thing you have to know about science is that it relies pretty much on as much faith as religion in it's foundations.

All I'm saying is be skeptic of what you take as fact, especially the scientist, as they are cocky and know you will beleive them.

[bkadoctaj]

Originally Posted by Smokinscientist

I've also notice alot of the board here in gc seem to think science is absolute.

One thing you have to know about science is that it relies pretty much on as much faith as religion in it's foundations.

All I'm saying is be skeptic of what you take as fact, especially the scientist, as they are cocky and know you will beleive them.

Can be quite true.

[Smigs]

It seems, that people put so much faith and belief into science. Sometimes a good deal more than the average, church going, christian. So yes, I would say for some people, science is their religion.

[Zylark]

Science is not a religion. Science is a reproducible method for understanding and deconstructing the mechanics of nature. There are no dogmas in science, and science is not a "guide" to neither morality nor how one should live (rather restrict) ones life, as religions claim to be.

Ofcourse one should be skeptical to every scientific discovery, and you'll find scientist to be the most skeptical of all. That is what the entire peer-review process is all about. Science do have it's number of frauds, scientists are human afterall. But that is the beauty of the scientific method, somebody else will look into all the data and evidence in question, and if there is foul play, it will sooner or later get exposed. By scientists. Science is self adjusting, and ever evolving as our understanding of nature expands.

As opposed to religion, that is static and dogmatic. Religion that must be brought kicking and screaming to accept nature and reality as we understand it by evidence and not as the religion wants it to be by dogma.

[pbmike15]

Originally Posted by Zylark

Science is not a religion. Science is a reproducible method for understanding and deconstructing the mechanics of nature. There are no dogmas in science, and science is not a "guide" to neither morality nor how one should live (rather restrict) ones life, as religions claim to be.

Ofcourse one should be skeptical to every scientific discovery, and you'll find scientist to be the most skeptical of all. That is what the entire peer-review process is all about. Science do have it's number of frauds, scientists are human afterall. But that is the beauty of the scientific method, somebody else will look into all the data and evidence in question, and if there is foul play, it will sooner or later get exposed. By scientists. Science is self adjusting, and ever evolving as our understanding of nature expands.

As opposed to religion, that is static and dogmatic. Religion that must be brought kicking and screaming to accept nature and reality as we understand it by evidence and not as the religion wants it to be by dogma.

Well said.

[Key2gb]

Originally Posted by Smokinscientist

I've also notice alot of the board here in gc seem to think science is absolute.

One thing you have to know about science is that it relies pretty much on as much faith as religion in it's foundations.

All I'm saying is be skeptic of what you take as fact, especially the scientist, as they are cocky and know you will beleive them.

nothing is certain in science, the only things we assume to be true are the things we are unable to prove false...this leaves a vast range of error and unknowns to be accounted for

[bkadoctaj]

Originally Posted by Key2gb

nothing is certain in science, the only things we assume to be true are the things we are unable to prove false...this leaves a vast range of error and unknowns to be accounted for

Someone want to tell me why scientific "proof" is actually proof and not evidence?

[Smigs]

Originally Posted by Key2gb

the only things we assume to be true are the things we are unable to prove false.

Yes, like the Higher Power. Although, most the athiests around here, seem to believe, that science, can disprove a higher power. I myself, have never saw this proof. Although, I would love to see some evidence, disproving a Higher Power.

[HighGrowMan]

It's difficult to have a discussion about this unless we're all talking about the same thing.

Some of the definitions of Faith, Religion and Science and Wisdom overlap.

Science isn't religion because religion recognizes things that we don't have the ability to reproduce, and accepts them by faith. By some of the definitions science will only recognize what is reproducible, in the material sense.

However, that said, scientists are beginning (more and more) to try and answer questions about the non-material world. So at that point, science comes very close to the same questions that are in religions.


Religion
-a set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices pertaining to supernatural power.

-a system of beliefs relating to supernatural or superhuman beings or forces that transcend the everyday material world.

-an organized system of faith and worship

- "1 the belief in a superhuman controlling power, esp. in a personal God or gods entitled to obedience and worship. 2 the expression of this in worship. 3 a particular system of faith and worship


Science
- Science is both a body of knowledge and a set of processes for advancing that knowledge. More specifically, science is mankind's interconnected, internally consistent, growing body of knowledge about natural and man-made objects and phenomena of the past, present, and future; a body of knowledge

- A method of gathering information through the senses and logic (mathematics). Science has origins in philosophy. Science is one of humanity's inventions. But science as a method is more specific than philosophy. Science aspires to see connections. It reaches for tentative conclusions.

-Science, in the broadest sense, refers to any system of knowledge which attempts to model objective reality. In a more restricted sense, science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on the scientific method, as well as to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.

- the study of the natural world

- systematically acquired knowledge that is verifiable.

- Science no longer seeks to explain phenomena and arrive at any kind of reality; rather, it now seeks to classify phenomena according to preconceived models.

- Studies that normally encompass courses based on a knowledge of facts, phenomena, laws, and proximate cause are designated Science (eg, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Nutrition, and Physics).

- Science is sometimes defined by Plato to be that which assigns the causes of things; sometimes to be that the subjects of which have a perfectly stable essence; and together with this, he conjoins the assignation of cause from reasoning.

Wisdom
-accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment

-the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight

-ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense and insight

-the quality of being prudent and sensible

-Wisdom is the ability, developed through experience, insight and reflection, to discern truth and exercise good judgment. Wisdom is sometimes conceptualized as an especially well developed form of common sense.

-is the result of learning and using knowledge for a strategic advantage. After gaining knowledge, wisdom is used to meet new situations. Wisdom resides in the minds of the users.

-evaluating understanding to determine underlying principles or processes. Understanding why Mark's grandfather's visits help Mark's math performance requires wisdom to discern whether Mark is influenced by the additional adult attention, his grandfather's presence, or even the books that Mark's

-is the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; it is synonymous with insight, good sense, and sound judgment. It means to have "deep understanding", "to have keen discernment", "to have sanctified common sense", "to have the capacity for sound judgment"

-Refers to the fundamental nature of mind; not something developed or created, but ever-present and spontaneous.

-The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.

- is special illumination that enables one in a specific instance to grasp divine insight regarding a fact, situation, or context. This gift is useful in directing the Body in what to do next; in making God's will known.

- Knowledge with information so thoroughly assimilated as to have produced sagacity, judgment, and insight.

- "Wisdom" is the second of the ten sefirot, and the first power of conscious intellect within Creation.


Faith
- Faith can refer to any of a number of ideas, including::* Confidence in a person or thing (e.g. "I have faith that he will keep his promise");* Adherence to an obligation of loyalty to a person, organization, or idea (e.g. "I will be faithful to my spouse

- For anyone in the Middle Ages, faith was a cornerstone element of their lives, without which the struggle and privations. For a medieval person, life on earth was but a brief transition to the afterlife in heaven, hell or purgatory.

- Acceptance of ideals, beliefs, etc., which are not necessarily demonstrable through experimentation or reason.

- Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. This is not expected in Spiritualism where proof is offered.

- Belief without evidence

- A general term for religious belief used both of an attitude (to have faith) and of a collection of doctrines (the faith).

- A convinced belief; a condition of mind fully satisfied; next to actual knowledge. We have faith the sun will rise to-morrow morning, but the knowledge can not be actual until after sunrise.

- Reliance or trust in something without proof

[bkadoctaj]

Originally Posted by HighGrowMan

It's difficult to have a discussion about this unless we're all talking about the same thing.

Some of the definitions of Faith, Religion and Science and Wisdom overlap.

Science isn't religion because religion recognizes things that we don't have the ability to reproduce, and accepts them by faith. By some of the definitions science will only recognize what is reproducible, in the material sense.

However, that said, scientists are beginning (more and more) to try and answer questions about the non-material world. So at that point, science comes very close to the same questions that are in religions.


Religion
-a set of attitudes, beliefs, and practices pertaining to supernatural power.

-a system of beliefs relating to supernatural or superhuman beings or forces that transcend the everyday material world.

-an organized system of faith and worship

- "1 the belief in a superhuman controlling power, esp. in a personal God or gods entitled to obedience and worship. 2 the expression of this in worship. 3 a particular system of faith and worship


Science
- Science is both a body of knowledge and a set of processes for advancing that knowledge. More specifically, science is mankind's interconnected, internally consistent, growing body of knowledge about natural and man-made objects and phenomena of the past, present, and future; a body of knowledge

- A method of gathering information through the senses and logic (mathematics). Science has origins in philosophy. Science is one of humanity's inventions. But science as a method is more specific than philosophy. Science aspires to see connections. It reaches for tentative conclusions.

-Science, in the broadest sense, refers to any system of knowledge which attempts to model objective reality. In a more restricted sense, science refers to a system of acquiring knowledge based on the scientific method, as well as to the organized body of knowledge gained through such research.

- the study of the natural world

- systematically acquired knowledge that is verifiable.

- Science no longer seeks to explain phenomena and arrive at any kind of reality; rather, it now seeks to classify phenomena according to preconceived models.

- Studies that normally encompass courses based on a knowledge of facts, phenomena, laws, and proximate cause are designated Science (eg, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Nutrition, and Physics).

- Science is sometimes defined by Plato to be that which assigns the causes of things; sometimes to be that the subjects of which have a perfectly stable essence; and together with this, he conjoins the assignation of cause from reasoning.

Wisdom
-accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment

-the trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight

-ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense and insight

-the quality of being prudent and sensible

-Wisdom is the ability, developed through experience, insight and reflection, to discern truth and exercise good judgment. Wisdom is sometimes conceptualized as an especially well developed form of common sense.

-is the result of learning and using knowledge for a strategic advantage. After gaining knowledge, wisdom is used to meet new situations. Wisdom resides in the minds of the users.

-evaluating understanding to determine underlying principles or processes. Understanding why Mark's grandfather's visits help Mark's math performance requires wisdom to discern whether Mark is influenced by the additional adult attention, his grandfather's presence, or even the books that Mark's

-is the ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; it is synonymous with insight, good sense, and sound judgment. It means to have "deep understanding", "to have keen discernment", "to have sanctified common sense", "to have the capacity for sound judgment"

-Refers to the fundamental nature of mind; not something developed or created, but ever-present and spontaneous.

-The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting.

- is special illumination that enables one in a specific instance to grasp divine insight regarding a fact, situation, or context. This gift is useful in directing the Body in what to do next; in making God's will known.

- Knowledge with information so thoroughly assimilated as to have produced sagacity, judgment, and insight.

- "Wisdom" is the second of the ten sefirot, and the first power of conscious intellect within Creation.


Faith
- Faith can refer to any of a number of ideas, including::* Confidence in a person or thing (e.g. "I have faith that he will keep his promise");* Adherence to an obligation of loyalty to a person, organization, or idea (e.g. "I will be faithful to my spouse

- For anyone in the Middle Ages, faith was a cornerstone element of their lives, without which the struggle and privations. For a medieval person, life on earth was but a brief transition to the afterlife in heaven, hell or purgatory.

- Acceptance of ideals, beliefs, etc., which are not necessarily demonstrable through experimentation or reason.

- Belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. This is not expected in Spiritualism where proof is offered.

- Belief without evidence

- A general term for religious belief used both of an attitude (to have faith) and of a collection of doctrines (the faith).

- A convinced belief; a condition of mind fully satisfied; next to actual knowledge. We have faith the sun will rise to-morrow morning, but the knowledge can not be actual until after sunrise.

- Reliance or trust in something without proof

Wait, so where are you getting all of this? Is this quoted from somewhere else?

What I'm trying to get at again is that we're putting things into boxes. Some people might claim that Science is about discovery. We if that's so, then why are we CREATING new theories? Would theories be recognized by anything other than a human, at least in the sense of Science? Would they be recognized as theories before someone claimed they were and others accepted them as credible on some level? Talk about Creationism. I've said it before: there is one concept (Existence); it has infinite subtleties and perceptual dimensions.

[JesusC]

Originally Posted by bkadoctaj

Wait, so where are you getting all of this? Is this quoted from somewhere else?

What I'm trying to get at again is that we're putting things into boxes. Some people might claim that Science is about discovery. We if that's so, then why are we CREATING new theories? Would theories be recognized by anything other than a human, at least in the sense of Science? Would they be recognized as theories before someone claimed they were and others accepted them as credible on some level? Talk about Creationism. I've said it before: there is one concept (Existence); it has infinite subtleties and perceptual dimensions.

Theories arent developed on imagination alone. Scientists promote theories (for the most part) because they have valid scientific evidence to suggest a certain something, or idea (ie the expanding universe or the big bang) may be fact. Theories arent "created" as you stated in your post, but rather they are presented to scientists through evidnece of possibility. Remember, a theory is only a theory...not a fact. Theories are nothing more than avenues for scientists to explore.

Science and religion, by definition, are two very different things. However, one could argue that science requires a certain amount of "belief" and "faith" in order for it to succeed and continue to expand. You have to believe in the work you are doing and have "faith" (although I dont care much for the word) in the fact that science is valid on a cosmological scale. The reality is that everything we think we may know or understand to be true (in the scientific world), may in fact be completely wrong and absolutely false.

The major difference between science and religion is that one is something that requires you to be pro-active in order to achieve or discover truth (science) Its a hands on, see the results and examine the results with your own eyes type thing. Science is tangible in the sense that you can see it, touch it, work with it, and examine it. On the other hand, the other only requires you to believe, stick to that belief and never stray (religion). There is nothing tangible about religion whatsoever.

Scientists are constantly finding new ways or methods of doing things, coming up with new ideas and concepts to achieve a greater understanding. Todays scientific reality may be completely different tomorrow, and scientists are more than open to that idea. Religious folks seem to hang on to the same old stories and the same old ideas from the same old texts, not much changes.