Article  Faith-based beliefs are inescapable in science (philosophy of science)

https://bigthink.com/13-8/where-science-meets-faith/

KEY POINTS: The capacity for abstract belief in an unknowable realm is a fascinating aspect of being human, evolved from our need for social engagement, belonging, and dealing with things we cannot control, predict, or understand. Science has fundamental limitations as a way of knowing and is not the only method of approaching the unattainable truth about reality. Indeed, there is a nuanced role for faith-based belief in science, and it is arguably needed in order to advance knowledge of the natural world... (MORE - details)

Quote:Perhaps more importantly, we should acknowledge that there are faith-based myths running deep in science’s canon, and that scientists, even the great ones, may confuse their expectations of reality with reality itself. This is where faith-based belief emerges in science, as we imagine possible worlds beyond our present grasp. What principles guide us as we extrapolate ideas beyond the known and venture into unexplored territories of reality? We cannot use reason alone in our journey to these unknown lands — there is no clear path to follow. We can only explore the unknown using what we do know.

A scientist therefore must base their approach on an imponderable process that some call a hunch or an intuition. This is an intellectually guided expression of faith in how the scientist imagines the world to be. There is no way to venture into the unknown without this guiding light, and that light comes from a source that is not completely known. This is where science meets faith.

When I gradually felt my religious beliefs slipping away in my early 20's, replaced one day by the more solid tenets of science and secular humanism, I didn't really notice how well fitted for my gaping belief-voids those tenets really were. An exciting belief afterall can only be replaced by another exciting belief. Creationism discarded for the just as faith-based theory of evolution. Apocalypse replaced by the vague prospect of some brave New World. Authorative theoretical texts subverting the formerly infallible sacred writ. Science has to take the form of dogmas in order to have a place in the modern human psyche. It is exquisitely fitted for the all too human need to hope and to have faith in transcendental things. It is a spirituality of materialistic gnosis and alchemical magick. It is an explicit trust in the human quest for progress and technology and ultimately for transcendental cosmic meaning.

Magical Realist Wrote:When I gradually felt my religious beliefs slipping away in my early 20's, replaced one day by the more solid tenets of science and secular humanism, I didn't really notice how well fitted for my gaping belief-voids those tenets really were. An exciting belief afterall can only be replaced by another exciting belief. Creationism discarded for the just as faith-based theory of evolution. Apocalypse replaced by the vague prospect of some brave New World. Authorative theoretical texts subverting the formerly infallible sacred writ. Science has to take the form of dogmas in order to have a place in the modern human psyche. It is exquisitely fitted for the all too human need to hope and to have faith in transcendental things. It is a spirituality of materialistic gnosis and alchemical magick. It is an explicit trust in the human quest for progress and technology and ultimately for transcendental cosmic meaning.

Turns out you are more quotable in your own right than most of the quotes you give. Yes, despite the bad things, these are still wildly exciting times we live in - thank you for reminding me.

(Jul 1, 2023 12:36 AM)confused2 Wrote:

Magical Realist Wrote:When I gradually felt my religious beliefs slipping away in my early 20's, replaced one day by the more solid tenets of science and secular humanism, I didn't really notice how well fitted for my gaping belief-voids those tenets really were. An exciting belief afterall can only be replaced by another exciting belief. Creationism discarded for the just as faith-based theory of evolution. Apocalypse replaced by the vague prospect of some brave New World. Authorative theoretical texts subverting the formerly infallible sacred writ. Science has to take the form of dogmas in order to have a place in the modern human psyche. It is exquisitely fitted for the all too human need to hope and to have faith in transcendental things. It is a spirituality of materialistic gnosis and alchemical magick. It is an explicit trust in the human quest for progress and technology and ultimately for transcendental cosmic meaning.

Turns out you are more quotable in your own right than most of the quotes you give. Yes, despite the bad things, these are still wildly exciting times we live in - thank you for reminding me.

Thank you! Most the time I feel like I am straddling the thin line between making a novel point and just spuing verbal salad. I appreciate your supportive objective input on the matter.